In the Dred Scott v. Sandford case, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney said, "[T]he right of property in a slave is distinctly and expressly affirmed in the Constitution. The right to traffic in it, like an ordinary article of merchandise and property, was guarantied to the citizens of the United States in every State that might desire it... And the Government... is pledged to protect it in all future time if the slave escapes from his owner. This is done in plain words – too plain to be misunderstood. " How does this statement show the legal reasoning behind the Supreme Court's decision in the case and its impact on the status of slaves in the United States during that time period?

Question

In the Dred Scott v. Sandford case, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney said, "[T]he right of property in a slave is distinctly and expressly affirmed in the Constitution. The right to traffic in it, like an ordinary article of merchandise and property, was guarantied to the citizens of the United States in every State that might desire it... And the Government... is pledged to protect it in all future time if the slave escapes from his owner. This is done in plain words – too plain to be misunderstood. " How does this statement show the legal reasoning behind the Supreme Court's decision in the case and its impact on the status of slaves in the United States during that time period?

Responses It made the Fugitive Slave Act illegal and granted freedom to enslaved individuals. It made the Fugitive Slave Act illegal and granted freedom to enslaved individuals. It reinforced the idea that slaves were considered property under federal law. It reinforced the idea that slaves were considered property under federal law. It established the principle of popular sovereignty in determining the status of slaves. It established the principle of popular sovereignty in determining the status of slaves. It affirmed the rights of slaves as citizens under the Constitution.

Answer 1

It reinforced the idea that slaves were considered property under federal law. This statement by Chief Justice Taney clearly shows that the Supreme Court believed that slaves were property and that their owners had a legal right to them. This decision had a significant impact on the status of slaves in the United States during that time period, as it further entrenched the institution of slavery and denied enslaved individuals their basic rights and freedoms. It also reinforced the notion that slaves were not entitled to the protections afforded to citizens under the Constitution.