dec 31, 1856 - Scott v. Sanford (Dred Scott Decision)
Description:
Arguably the worst U.S. supreme court decision ever, Dred Scott attempted to pursuit freedom, suing the brother of his owner's wife (John Sanford), and arguing that he should be free because he lived in a free state, Illinois.Years later, the final decision would be held on this date with the supreme court decision of 7-2, siding with John Sanford.
Roger B. Taney upheld that this supreme court case should have never happened, writing that Dred Scott was never a citizen due to his status as a slave and therefore could not sue in court.
Although it was a Southern victory, anti-slavery sentiment grew wild in the North, and this would be one of the main causes of the Civil War.
Added to timeline:
Date:
dec 31, 1856
Now
~ 168 years ago