Dred Scott v.s. Sanford 1856 - Essay Example

Dred Scott v. Sanford was a case in which Dred Scott a slave born in Virginia between 1795 and 1800 sues an heir of the estate which owned him for freedom for himself, his wife, and children (Library of Congress n. p.). Purchased by John Emerson a major in the United States Army, as “chattel” or “personal property” Scott accompanied and traveled with Emerson extensively. However not all the states in the Union recognized and allowed slavery at that time; several states outlawed the practice of slavery passing ordinances and laws prohibiting its practice within their territorial boundaries (Library of Congress n. p.).

One such state was Missouri, the “Missouri Compromise of 1820” forbid the importation of slaves within their territory and ultimately had a provision for the emancipation of slaves born in Missouri (Moore and Brown n. p.). With the passing of the bill by the House of Representatives in 1819, but failing to be ratified by the Senate the bill incited angry discussions between and within the northern and southern states. With Missouri identified as a, “free state” there was unequal representation, therefore the states condoning slavery found themselves at a disadvantage when it came to voting power.

Over a 12 year period Emerson relocated his family and slaves throughout various regions of the United States settling in free and slave states (Library of Congress n. p.).