Dred Scott v. Sanford
1857 · 19th Century
In 1857, Dred Scott v. Sandford, was a decision of the US Supreme Court. The Court held that the US Constitution was not meant to include American citizenship for black people, regardless of whether they were enslaved or free, and so the rights and privileges that the Constitution confers upon American citizens could not apply to them.
Key Figures
Dred ScottHarriet ScottRoger B. TaneyJohn F.A. SandfordJohn McLeanBenjamin R. Curtis
Locations
Washington, D.C.St. Louis, MissouriFort Snelling
Topics
caseblack historylawUSA
Connected Events — 2 Connections
The Fourteenth Amendment was drafted specifically to overturn Dred Scott denial of citizenship to Black Americans, establishing birthright citizenship and equal protection Fourteenth Amendment Ratified
Fugitive Slave Act treatment of enslaved persons as recoverable property reinforced the legal framework Taney cited in denying Black citizenship in Dred Scott Fugitive Slave Act
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