Dred Scott Decision



Dred Scott Decision



Introduction

The today's America is very progressive and offers equal rights to all of its citizens and this fact is widely accepted across the world. However, this is the result of many events and factors. This report will focus on the Dred Scott case and its repercussions. There are two kinds of opinions relating to the Dred Scott decision such as in favor of the Dred Scott and against the Dred Scott. The report will also cover opinions of both sides. It is a fact that the Dred Scott case had played a crucial role in the beginning of the civil war. This case provided impetus to civil war beginning because the African American used to think that they have been neglected by state to very high extend. The final decision in the Dred Scott case was given by the Supreme Court on March 06, 1857 which stated that the Dred Scott is not a free citizen and will remain a slave throughout his life (Luna, 1998). The Dred Scott was a slave (African American) of army personnel and when that master died, Dred Scott claimed that be is no more a slave because his master has been dead. Moreover, it was also claimed by the Dred Scott that he should be considered as a free citizen because he has lived at Fort Snelling where the citizens are supposed to have equal rights. However, he had achieved his objectives in courts prior to Supreme Court. But in the end, the Supreme Court cleared that he would remain a slave till his death (Graber, 2006).

Discussion

Opponents View Points

There are large numbers of people who disagree with the court decision relating to Dred Scott. These individual claimed that a nation cannot be progressive if the citizens are considered as equal beings. This is a fact that if there are different kinds of rules and regulations for the citizens of the same country then this will create a situation of anarchy in the country. The individuals who believed that the decision of the court was totally wrong because it states that the blacks (African American) are inferior human being which is again wrong. The law of nature and the god has created every person with unique qualities and all are equal human being (Nimmer, 1974).

If there are large numbers of differences among the citizens then it would become more difficult to defend the country. If a particular group of citizens is witnessing discrimination then that group will become anti state which in turn make the state weak. It is not possible to keep masses under undue influence for long period of time. The decision was against the basic rights of humans (Luna, 1998).

According to the Dred Scott decision, the African Americans were not only considered as inferior beings but also they were not eligible to take any case before court. This clearly showed that the African American has no right to pursuit justice which is again a very ...