Dred Scott Case

Dred Scott lived as a slave in what states and territories?

• Illinois and Wisconsin

• Tennessee and Kansas

• Kentucky and Nebraska

Why was Emerson able to hold Dred Scott as a slave in territory that was free?

• Emerson hid Scott so no one knew

• Emerson didn't treat Scott as a slave 

• He got an exemption from the court

• People didn't really pay attention or care

What argument did the Scotts use to sue for their freedom?

• They had lived in a free state and therefore could no longer be slaves according to Missouri law

• Their previous owner set the Scott's free.

• Slavery was banned in Missouri

Going to court requires money. Who helped to pay for the Scotts' case?

CHECK ALL THE CORRECT ANSWERS!

• Their church

• Abolitionist groups

• The U.S. government

• Members of the Blow family

What was the US Supreme Court decision on the case?

• Scott was considered property, so he was not a citizen and had no right to sue. 

• Scott lived in free states for many years therefore he should be free. 

• Scott's case would not be heard because his paperwork was not filed correctly. 

What was the second part of the Supreme Court's decision on the Scott case?

Remember that "unconstitutional" means against the Constitution which means it's illegal.

• The US Supreme Court said slavery was unconstitutional everywhere

• The US Supreme Court said slavery was protected by the Constitution and that denying slavery in any US territory was unconstitutional

What happened to Dred Scott after the decision?

• He and Harriet were set free, though he died shortly after due to illness

• He attempted to escape and hide out west

• He sadly died enslaved in Missouri