Dred Scott Court Case
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.___
What happened? Summarize the event!____
Where did the event take place?___
When did the event take place? ___
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history? ___
The primary person involved in the Dred Scott court case was Dred Scott, an enslaved African American man. Other individuals involved include his wife, Harriet Scott, John Sanford (also spelled as Sandford), the defendant in the case, and the justices of the Supreme Court who heard the case.
The event involved Dred Scott, who was enslaved, suing for his freedom. Scott and his wife had previously lived in free territories, which raised the question of whether they would remain enslaved if they moved back to a slave state. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled against Scott, stating that he was not a citizen and therefore did not have the right to sue in federal court. This decision also declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, as it prohibited Congress from restricting slavery in the territories.
The event took place primarily in the United States, with the case being decided by the Supreme Court.
The Dred Scott court case took place from 1850 to 1857, with the final ruling being made on March 6, 1857.
This event is important to Georgia's history as it highlighted and further strengthened the institution of slavery in the United States. The Supreme Court's decision essentially held that enslaved individuals, like Dred Scott, were considered property and did not have rights as citizens. This ruling deeply affected the debates and tensions over slavery leading up to the American Civil War. Additionally, it contributed to the growing divide between Northern and Southern states, with many in the North viewing the decision as an infringement on personal liberties and an expansion of slavery. Ultimately, this court case played a role in the eventual secession of Southern states, including Georgia, from the United States.