Slavery, Due Process, the Missouri Compromise
” . . . We think they [people of African ancestry] are . . . not included, and were not intended to be included, under the word “citizens” in the Constitution, and can therefore claim none of the rights and privileges which that instrument provides for and secures to citizens of the United States. . . .” — Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, speaking for the majority
In 1834, slave Dred Scott was purchased in Missouri and then brought to Illinois, a free (non-slave) state. He and his owner later moved to present-day Minnesota, where slavery had been recently prohibited, and then back to Missouri. When his owner died, Scott sued the widow to whom he was left, claiming he was no longer a slave because he had become free after living in a free state. When the country was in deep conflict over slavery, the Supreme Court decided that Dred Scott was not a “citizen of the state.” Hence, they had no jurisdiction in the matter, but the majority opinion also stated that he was not a free man.
For information on serving legal papers, contact a Professional Process Service, call (800) 774-6922. Representatives are available Monday-Friday 8 am – 8 pm EST. If you found this article helpful, please consider donating. Thank you for following our blog, A space dedicated to bringing you news on breaking legal developments, interesting articles for law professionals, and educational material for all. We hope that you enjoy your time on our blog and revisit us! We also invite you to check out our Frequently Asked Questions About Process Servers.