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World History · North America

Dred Scott Decision

HistoryCentral · Primary Source & History

Dred Scott was a slave who sued for his freedom. In a far-reaching ruling, the Supreme Court stated that Negroes were not citizens and had no right to sue. In addition, it ruled that the Missouri Compromise was illegal, in that it denied slave owners the right to bring their property (slaves) into the free territories.

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