LAD #18

 

• The Dred Scott case was originally supposed to be presided over by Justice Nelson, but was then given to Justice Roger Taney. President-elect James Buchanan was in a lame-duck period, and wanted to hear the decision of the court so he could use that information in his inaugural address. He did find the information, so he openly supported the Court in his address. As for the court case itself, Taney ultimately decided that slaves were indeed considered property, thus rendering the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional because it was prohibiting citizens from life, liberty, and property without due process of law. This case was a blow to ongoing abolitionist movements, because it was essentially providing another excuse for racial inequality to continue.