mar 13, 1857 - Dred Scott Decision

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Dred Scott was a slave from Missouri. His master took him to free states while he was traveling. Lawyers approached Scott and told him that bc he was living in free states, he should be free. His case made it to the Supreme Court who ruled against Scott.

The court argued that slaves were not citizens and therefore could not sue in federal court. They also argued that slaves were considered property and the constitution states that no person can be deprived of their property w/out due process.

This decision makes it legal for slave owners to take slaves anywhere in the US.

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