Dred Scott V. Sandford Case Analysis

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In the Dred Scott v. Sandford case (argued 1856 - decided 1857), the Supreme Court ruled that Americans of African descent, whether free or slave, were not American citizens and could not sue in federal court. The Supreme argued that Scott's status as a citizen of a free state under the Missouri Compromise did not give him status as a U.S. citizen. While states were free to create their own citizenship criteria, the Constitution only gives Congress authority to define national citizenship. The Court argued that even if Scott was considered "free" under the laws of a state, he would still not qualify as an American citizen because he was black. Lastly, the Court declared that the rights of slave-owners were protected by the Fifth Amendment
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