Today in AfricanAmerican History The Dred Scott Decision

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On March 6, 1857, the United States Supreme Court upheld the rulings of lower courts in the case of Dred Scott v. Sanford.

In its ruling the court stated that African-Americans--whether freed or enslaved--were not and could not be considered citizens of the United States. In addition, the Supreme Court proclaimed that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional.

• Dred Scott v. Sandford