Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 7

Crafting a thesis statement for the Dred Scott case can be an arduous task, requiring extensive

research, critical analysis, and precise articulation. This landmark legal case, which centered on the
status of enslaved individuals in the United States, presents complex historical, legal, and ethical
dimensions that demand careful consideration.

The Dred Scott case, decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1857, remains one of the most
controversial and consequential rulings in American history. At its core, the case raised fundamental
questions about citizenship, states' rights, and the institution of slavery. Crafting a thesis statement
that effectively encapsulates the significance and implications of this pivotal legal decision requires a
deep understanding of the historical context, legal arguments, and broader societal implications.

Scholars and students tackling the Dred Scott case in their academic pursuits often encounter
numerous challenges. From navigating primary sources and scholarly interpretations to grappling
with conflicting viewpoints and evolving historical perspectives, the process of developing a
compelling thesis statement can be daunting.

Given the complexities involved, seeking assistance from reputable academic writing services can be
invaluable. ⇒ HelpWriting.net ⇔ offers professional assistance to students and researchers seeking
guidance in crafting well-researched, meticulously crafted thesis statements on complex topics such
as the Dred Scott case. With a team of experienced writers and researchers, ⇒ HelpWriting.net ⇔
provides tailored support to help individuals navigate the challenges of thesis writing with
confidence.

By entrusting your thesis statement needs to ⇒ HelpWriting.net ⇔, you can ensure that your work
receives the attention to detail, scholarly rigor, and clarity of expression necessary to make a
compelling contribution to the discourse surrounding the Dred Scott case. Don't let the complexities
of thesis writing overwhelm you; turn to ⇒ HelpWriting.net ⇔ for expert assistance and unlock
the full potential of your academic endeavors.
You can download the paper by clicking the button above. This product is to be used by the original
downloader only. Louis at that time. Learn more about the park's educational resources for teachers.
The Missouri Supreme Court allowed them to have a second trial, which resulted in them being
granted their freedom by the St. Moreover because blacks had no rights and were as such beneath
white men than blacks may be enslaved for the benefit of whites and can be treated as a piece of
property. Eventually, the growing divide and Lincoln's presence at the seat of government led to the
secession of the south from the rest of the nation and the beginning of the American Civil War. If
anything, Northern outrage at the Court’s expansion of slavery helped to pave the road to the Civil
War by making more likely the election of President Abraham Lincoln, who famously denounced the
Court. A recent Oklahoma law makes it unlawful for higher-education institutions to require that
students “engage in any form of mandatory gender or sexual diversity training or counseling,” and
for K-12 schools to “require or make part of a course” the concept that “an individual, by virtue of
his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.”
In response, Oklahoma City Community College paused a longstanding course about racial
inequality. A new form of status confusion exists in the US after emancipation; none are formally
designated as slaves under the law, and race-based laws have supposedly been eliminated, and yet
the law punishes the descendants of slaves en masse, in proportion to their pigmentation. In the case,
which Scott brought in federal court to assert his freedom from enslavement, the Supreme Court
held, in 1857, that Scott did not have the privilege to bring the suit because, as a Black person, he
could not be a “citizen” within the meaning of the Constitution. Wade would reverse the 49-year-
old’s decision giving women rights. Abortion. By Jeannie Suk Gersen June 8, 2021 Save this story
Save this story Save this story Save this story A painting of Dred Scott. Doing so immediately
foregrounds the centrality of slavery and white supremacy to the country’s origin, as a frame for
understanding constitutional law. Please download the preview to examine the reading and
questions. Because he had done something that changed the African American slaves forever and that
they could fight against what they thought wasn’t right. The Mexican War. How did the Mexican
War cause problems. Ferguson, of “separate but equal” fame, and Korematsu v. For many people on
both sides of the steadily intensifying slavery debate, it was imperative that the United States had to
deal with the issue once and for all. Sandford had direct consequences for the Scott family and their
supporters, it found its place in history largely due to the larger effects it had on the already blazing-
hot issue of slavery in the United States. The court then questioned his citizenship, believing that he
wasn't a citizen of any state. The courts believed that congress had no power to be able to allow
slaves in federal territories. Grade 7 PO 1 Construct maps, charts, and graphs to display geographic
information. Warm-Up: How did the North and South differ when it came to the issue of Slavery?
Explain. Scott successfully sued for his freedom because he had resided in a free state, but on March
6, 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the lower court’s decision. Ultimately as an effect, if the
court ruling had gone another direction it would open the door to probably an endless supply of
slaves bringing cases There were a number of social causes and effects pertaining to this court ruling.
First national dispute over slavery and the balance of free states to slave states (11) when Missouri
asked to be admitted to the Union as a slave state. Lawmakers started with “We the People” and took
turns reading the text aloud for the next hour and a half. Click here to see our comprehensive article
on the Antebellum Period. To support his claim that abortion rights are not “deep-rooted”, Alito cites
the fact that 28 of the 37 states had banned abortion during pregnancy at the time of the adoption of
the 14th Amendment, in which Including the due process clause that Roe relied on in court to grant
abortion rights. Clipart and elements found in this PDF are copyrighted and cannot be extracted and
used outside of this file without permission or license.
During this period, Scott married Harriet Robinson, also enslaved, at Fort Snelling. Warm-Up: How
did the North and South differ when it came to the issue of Slavery? Explain. Official Name- Dred
Scott v. John F. A. Sandford The defendant’s name was actually Sanford, but was misspelled in the
official documentation Case was heard and decided in the year 1857. Passed in 1820 and created by
Speaker of the House, Henry Clay. As new political parties formed, the North and South grew
further apart. So, though it's reasonable to assume that Dred Scott and his family largely lived and
worked in Missouri in the time before their 1846 filings, it's not entirely clear. It was about should
slaves be allowed in the new state of Missouri, North and South were fighting about the rights to
slavery. Finally, in 1856, the numerous challenges, appeals, and seemingly unending back-and-forth
over the matter made its way to the Supreme Court of the United States. See other Freedom Suits
filed at the Old Courthouse through the Missouri State Archives St. To that end, Taney had even
freed his own slaves before he became a Supreme Court justice. Sandford in the Supreme Court
produced a reaction so dramatic and intense that many believe it was one of the sparks that lit the
fires of civil war. Furthermore, the court declared that it wouldn't enforce the rules of free states. This
product is to be used by the original downloader only. In this bundle, you will receive all of my Civil
War and Reconstruction lessons for US History. In both cases, their history has been chosen to help
them reach their desired outcome. Tanney argued that the United States, as a nation formed for the
benefit of the white man, is radically and fundamentally racist towards black people. When it comes
to law school, the truth is that to learn constitutional law is to become well versed in techniques of
legal interpretation that have enabled deeply unjust results. She wrote on Twitter that she didn’t
“think any student should be forced to recite or describe what Taney says about black people.”
Shapiro told me, “It is so deeply offensive that I don’t think it’s appropriate.” In her teaching on race
discrimination, she includes historical materials intended to show that “how we’ve grappled with the
history of slavery is relevant to today.” As part of that, she used to include a clip of “The Road to
Brown,” a documentary about Brown v. This factor would weigh heavily on the decision makers.
Irene Emerson quickly appealed the decision, sending the trial even higher to the state's Supreme
Court. Given that Emerson took Dred Scott with him, this move would eventually form the bedrock
of Scott's later petition for his freedom. Worse, the Court’s rendering that Congress had no authority
to prohibit slavery had the unintended consequence of invalidating both the Missouri Compromise
and Kansas-Nebraska Act, resulting in years of bloody conflict over settlers electing whether to
allow slavery within their territories. John Emerson married Irene Sanford during a brief stay in
Louisiana. Many were shaken to hear that the court had ruled against Scott, going so far as to declare
all Black Americans non-citizens and saying that the federal government had no right to free slaves
or to make legislation concerning the matter. Tell students they are to color the free states and
territories that Dred Scott lived in green and the slave states he lived in red. To browse
Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to upgrade
your browser. We use cookies to create the best experience for you. What sort of injustice has that
obedience engendered or tolerated?” In my own constitutional-law course, I assign Dred Scott as the
first case for the first day, which is not uncommon. A recent Oklahoma law makes it unlawful for
higher-education institutions to require that students “engage in any form of mandatory gender or
sexual diversity training or counseling,” and for K-12 schools to “require or make part of a course”
the concept that “an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or
oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.” In response, Oklahoma City Community College
paused a longstanding course about racial inequality. Stewing up trouble and turning up the heat.
Why Stew??. What types of things go into stew.
An unverified legend has it that Scott's name was originally Sam but, upon the death of an older
brother, he took the name Dred in his honor. Sanford, 1856 Creating unrest, controversy, and fueling
the debate over the legalization and expansion of slavery throughout the United States dred scott v.
To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds
to upgrade your browser. Louis Blow family, who had previously owned Dred Scott decades ago.
Dred and Harriet Scott took their future into their own hands in 1846 and came to the Old
Courthouse to seek freedom from enslavement. The ultimate conclusion was that African Americans
(Born abroad or in the USA) by nature of their heritage and race were not Citizens nor could they
become Citizens and ultimately, were not protected by the Constitution. Beside each purchase you'll
see a Provide Feedback button. Sometime shortly before or directly after Peter Blow's 1832 death,
Scott was then sold to Dr. John Emerson. Breckinridge South Democrat and the other electon was
between Stephen A. Bolstered by Oprah, a Harvard Business School professor thinks you should run
your inner self like a company. Dred Scott v. Sandford is undoubtedly among the most reviled
Supreme Court decisions, often invoked as a clear example of what judges should not do. We use
cookies to create the best experience for you. He was also pretty unhappy about being associated
with one of the most dramatic and controversial cases to make it to the U.S. Supreme Court, not
least because commentators couldn't help but notice that he was both an abolitionist and the newest
owner of Dred Scott. For primary- and secondary-school education, there are currently a number of
state bills to ban the teaching of critical race theory, which the bills’ proponents understand to mean
a focus on systemic and institutional racism as opposed to racism as an individual’s prejudice.
Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short
comment for the product. It was about a man named Dred Scott whom wanted nothing more but
freedom for himself and his loved ones. In both cases, their history has been chosen to help them
reach their desired outcome. This paper considers and compares these three circumstances of status
confusion, toward the end of reasserting the central importance of race in the contemporary legal
environment, and in white Americans’ civic fantasies. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. You can download the paper by clicking the
button above. Meanwhile, those who supported the institution of slavery celebrated. Although it may
seem like an over simplification, states that had abolished slavery were developing economies that
could be described as being more. Click here to see our comprehensive article on the Antebellum
Period. How? In short, to successfully bring their case before a court, the Scotts needed legal help
from other people. Though the compromise was generally unpopular, its destruction in the wake of
Dred Scott's case furthered deepened the divide between pro-slavery and anti-slavery Americans
and led to an increased sense of urgency. The liberty at stake in Taney’s anti-colonial rebuke was not
the freedom of enslaved people but, rather, the freedom of white men to enslave them. The couple
were also arguing for the freedom of their two daughters, Eliza and Lizzie. As such it was the case
that slaves could not sue in court by nature of their citizenship rights, Moreover it was also decided
that the American Congress didn’t have the ability to prohibit slavery and as such they could not be
confiscated without some sort of due-process. Nine out of twelve points or 80% would be
considered mastery.
Without question, there were a number of political causes and effects that would have played a
significant role in this court case and decision. The court ultimately dismissed the case on this basis,
in a 7-2 majority. To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please
take a few seconds to upgrade your browser. Ferguson, which held that segregation did not imply
Black people’s inferiority, and instead only mentioned its ideas in discussing Brown v. Dred Scott
was born around 1800 in Virginia In 1818 his master, Peter Blow moved from Virginia to Alabama
with Dred Scott In 1830 they relocated to St. Grade 7 PO 1 Construct maps, charts, and graphs to
display geographic information. Also available in digital form on the Library of Congress Web site.
His plane was to escape to the north of the US since it’s supost to be a no slave states up there. The
Massachusetts example, however, shows that entering the jurisdiction of a free state could make a
slave free. This case is very interesting, and good for America because it shows that people should
stand up for what they want and believe in. Gathered a group of slaves and began killing slave
owners and their families. In the nineteen-forties, they might have written a legal brief condoning the
internment of Japanese-Americans. Carolyn Shapiro is a professor and co-director of the Institute on
the Supreme Court of the United States at Chicago-Kent College of Law. Stewing up trouble and
turning up the heat. Why Stew??. What types of things go into stew. He was born in Southampton
County, Virginia, in 1799 They called him Sam, because his older brother was called Dred. It’s a
powerful way for students to confront the racism that has been central to the United States.” Steilen,
who wrote the initial tweet about teaching the Dred Scott case, doesn’t disagree with these principles
and has worked to add more content on slavery and the Civil War in his course. By 1787, slavery
was recognized in the Constitution (General History of the United Sates supreme court, accessed
2011). Scott successfully sued for his freedom because he had resided in a free state, but on March
6, 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the lower court’s decision. The courts and seemingly
everyone else, however, sometimes had a different idea. Meanwhile, those who supported the
institution of slavery celebrated. THE FOUNDING FATHERS AND SLAVERY by 1700 the highly
profitable slavery system was firmly established in the Southern Colonies and codified into law.
According to Watson.org (1998) Scott was a slave, born in Virginia around the turn of the 19th
century and was owned by Dr. John Emerson (An Army doctor who frequently traveled). Click here
to see our comprehensive article on the Antebellum Period. Your students can make this book in
under 10 minutes, and then you can use it for review with a variety of games. The Missouri Supreme
Court came down firmly on the side of Emerson, declaring the Scotts to once again be her property.
Louis for much of the time, being hired out to Emerson family members and other people in the
community. He was born in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1799 They called him Sam, because
his older brother was called Dred. According to Taney, Congress’s slavery ban violated the
fundamental right of slaveholders to their property. According to Britannica, the Supreme Court's
decision effectively invalidated all claims to citizenship for enslaved people, at least on the federal
level. Make sure students write this down on the back of the map so they do not forget.
The fact that it is so disturbing when it is so visible is why purveyors of constitutional law might
have the impulse to obscure it. Later adjustments to the plan meant that slavery was banned in all
U.S. lands bought via the Louisiana Purchase. It proved to be dramatically violent, to the point
where even lawmakers in Washington, D.C. came to blows over the matter — in 1856 South
Carolina Representative Preston Brooks beat Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner with a cane on
the floor of the Senate, leaving Sumner bleeding and unconscious. We use cookies to create the best
experience for you. Mrs. Emerson hired out Dred, Harriet and the Scott children to work for other
families keeping the majority of their wages. When teaching the case, she lectures to her students
rather than requiring them to participate in a class discussion as she would throughout most of the
course. What sort of injustice has that obedience engendered or tolerated?” In my own constitutional-
law course, I assign Dred Scott as the first case for the first day, which is not uncommon. The status
of his citizenship was the main cause for it all. The Supreme Court decided the case in 1857, and with
their judgement that the Missouri Compromise was void and that no African-Americans were
entitled to citizenship, hastened the Civil War which ultimately led to freedom for the enslaved
people of the United States. He was devoutly religious, to the point where he believed that slavery
was evil and should eventually be done away with entirely. Van Zandt, 1847: General History of the
United Sates supreme court, accessed 2011)). A legal review of the case of Dred Scott, as decided by
the Supreme Court of the United States. This factor would weigh heavily on the decision makers.
Even though there was a strong abolitionist movement it remained the case that blacks were
regarded as beneath all whites. In the ruling of the court, the judges in a vote that resulted into 9-0
arrived into a determination that it did not violate the provision necessitating Whitney's conviction
(Whitney 49). THE FOUNDING FATHERS AND SLAVERY by 1700 the highly profitable slavery
system was firmly established in the Southern Colonies and codified into law. When his older brother
died as a young man, he was now called Dred. He was born in Southampton County, Virginia, in
1799 They called him Sam, because his older brother was called Dred. The Scotts' case went from
their local Missouri courts and, over the course of a decade, finally made it to the United States
Supreme Court in a high profile case watched by seemingly everyone in the country. Distribute the
Dred Scott-His Life and Impact handout and the Chart of Dred Scott’s Life. Each time you give
feedback, TPT gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases.
Below you will be able to see the case's history, outcome, and commentary. Even though it may not
be the final verdict, it shows that the five judges are willing to sign their names without any basis in
history or law. Ferguson, which held that segregation did not imply Black people’s inferiority, and
instead only mentioned its ideas in discussing Brown v. The main one that really comes up is the 5th
due to the fact that it talks about personal things and back in the day they used to consider slaves as
things. As a class, read and discuss the Dred Scott-His Life and Impact handout. But he was tired of
being a slave so he sue and after all he went thought he finally got his freedom in 1857. And in
recent years, law graduates justified the so-called Muslim ban and the separation of families at the
border. His master died and Scott wanted to move back to Missouri---Missouri still recognized him
as a slave. We do know that, according to Biography, he was born sometime around 1795 in Virginia.
THE FOUNDING FATHERS AND SLAVERY by 1700 the highly profitable slavery system was
firmly established in the Southern Colonies and codified into law. It’s a powerful way for students to
confront the racism that has been central to the United States.” Steilen, who wrote the initial tweet
about teaching the Dred Scott case, doesn’t disagree with these principles and has worked to add
more content on slavery and the Civil War in his course. Van Zandt, 1847: General History of the
United Sates supreme court, accessed 2011)). Yet, the legacy of the Missouri Compromise was far
from over. These conditions led to a great deal of legislation and litigation around status confusion,
the legal matter at the heart of Pudd’nhead Wilson. Taney (in office 1836-1864), declared Scott had
never ceased being a slave, and therefore, neither he nor his descendants were or could ever be
citizens with rights, or sue in court. This is the messed up truth about the Dred Scott case. Grade 7
Concept 3 Functions of Government PO 1 Analyze the significance of the following judicial
decisions: a. For many people on both sides of the steadily intensifying slavery debate, it was
imperative that the United States had to deal with the issue once and for all. As a result of this court
decision, it is likely that this drove a greater wedge between abolitionists and slavery supporters
insofar as the poorly argued rhetoric of this decision would have enraged most abolitionists. That
was not his intent, rather he saw slavery as a moral issue and that it should not be allowed to spread.
( Southern states would not have had to give up slavery.) Secession Secession!: SC? Dec. 20, 1860
The Process of Secession, 1860-1861 Flyer from South Carolina announcing secession Fort Sumter:
April 12, 1861 Ft. Moreover, the attempt by abolitionists to impose federal rulings on slavery
supporters would have likely enraged this group as well. Irene Emerson quickly appealed the
decision, sending the trial even higher to the state's Supreme Court. In 1842, the Scotts returned with
Dr. and Mrs. Emerson to St. Louis, where Dr. Emerson died the following year. Per the American
Battlefield Trust, this ongoing conflict from 1855 to 1859 was held between pro-slavery and anti-
slavery factions in the territory. SSUSH8 The student will explain the relationship between growing
north-south divisions and westward expansion. Given that Emerson took Dred Scott with him, this
move would eventually form the bedrock of Scott's later petition for his freedom. Some of their
interpretations have become landmarks in how both government and society function. Finally, in
1856, the numerous challenges, appeals, and seemingly unending back-and-forth over the matter
made its way to the Supreme Court of the United States. You can download the paper by clicking the
button above. Born in obscurity, Lincoln became a successful attorney and his political star was
rising. This is 100% legal. You may not submit downloaded papers as your own, that is cheating.
Also you. In the ruling of the court, the judges in a vote that resulted into 9-0 arrived into a
determination that it did not violate the provision necessitating Whitney's conviction (Whitney 49).
See other Freedom Suits filed at the Old Courthouse through the Missouri State Archives St. Later
adjustments to the plan meant that slavery was banned in all U.S. lands bought via the Louisiana
Purchase. Leaving Cert History Sovereignty and Partition 1912-1949. Taney declared that the
compromise itself was unconstitutional. Louis abolitionists, members of their church, and, perhaps
most surprisingly, members of the Blow family. Sign up for our daily newsletter to receive the best
stories from The New Yorker. In 1836, the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society brought before the
Massachusetts Supreme Court the case of a six-year-old slave girl who had been brought to the state
by her mistress for a visit.

You might also like