The Dred Scott Decision

1
On your own and on the worksheet provided 1)
Write a definition for the word property. 2) List
some examples of property.
2
The Dred Scott Decision
3
With your group and using your definition of
property, decide what you would do in the
situation below. Write your answer on the
worksheet provided
You live in Georgia where they allow the riding
of bikes. You then move with your family to New
York State where bike-riding is not allowed.
Later, after several years, you move back to
Georgia. Does the bike still belong to you? Why
or why not?
4
With your group, using your definition of
property, and your ideas from the previous bike
situation, answer the question below. Write your
answer on the worksheet provided
Does Congress have the right to say that you
cannot ride your bike in Georgia (a state that
allows bike-riding), since it had lived in New
York (a state that does not allow bike-riding)
for so long? Why or why not?
5
Who was Dred Scott?
Dred Scott was the name of an African-American
slave. He was taken by his master, an officer in
the U.S. Army, from the slave state of Missouri
to the free state of Illinois and then to the
free territory of Wisconsin. He lived on free
soil for a long period of time. When the Army
ordered his master to go back to Missouri, he
took Scott with him back to that slave state,
where his master died. In 1846, Scott was helped
by Abolitionist (anti-slavery) lawyers to sue for
his freedom in court, claiming he should be free
since he had lived on free soil for a long time.
6
Who was his owner?
Dr. John Emerson was a doctor in the United
States army. The army required him to move
throughout the United States. He did not decide
to move on his own.
7
What Events Caused This?
Emerson is transferred back to Missouri A Slave
State He passes away shortly after.
Emerson is stationed in Missouri A Slave State
Emerson is transferred to Illinois A Non-Slave
State
Emerson is transferred to Wisconsin A Non-Slave
State
8
The Two Sides of the ArgumentWhat is the problem?

• Dred Scott
• Lived in a non-slave area long enough to be
  considered a free man.
• His owner passed away, therefore he does not have
  an owner

• US Supreme Court
• Dred Scott was not a US Citizen because he was a
  slave
• Congress has no right to control a persons
  property

9
What would your decision be?Write down your
decision.

• Which side do you think should win?
• Think about the arguments.

10
What did the Supreme Court decide?

• In March of 1857, Scott lost the decision as 7/9
  Justices on the Supreme Court declared no slave
  or descendant of a slave could be a U.S. citizen
• As a non-citizen, the court stated, Scott had no
  rights and could not sue in a Federal Court and
  must remain a slave.

11
Leading to War

• Connect how this event might have contributed to
  the start of the Civil War?