The Dred Scott Decision

In your group: 1) Write a definition for the word property. 2) List some examples of property.

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 California where they allow you to own a puppy. You then move with your family to New York State where puppies are not allowed. Does the puppy still belong to you? Why or why not? Later, after several years, you move back to California. Does the dog still belong to you? Why or why not?

With your group, using your definition of property, and your ideas from the previous dog situation, answer the question below. Write your answer on your composition book. Does Congress have the right to say that you do not own the puppy because it was in a state that has a no dogs allowed law?

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 lawyers to sue for his freedom in court, claiming he should be free since he had lived on free soil for a long time.

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.

What Happened? 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

Let’s hear the arguments Analyze the Primary Source Documents to provide different sides of the arguments regarding the Dred Scott case

The Two Sides of the Argument What 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 person’s property

What would your decision be? DO YOU AGREE, DISAGREE OR REMAIN NEUTRAL? Think about the arguments. STAND UP AND CHOOSE A SIDE!

Leading to War How might this event have contributed to the start of the Civil War?