According to Dred Scott's lawsuit how had his rights been violated

1 answer

According to Dred Scott's lawsuit, his rights had been violated in multiple ways. Firstly, he argued that his right to freedom had been violated as he and his wife, Harriet, had lived in free territories (Illinois and Wisconsin) where slavery was prohibited by the Missouri Compromise of 1820.

Secondly, Scott claimed that his right to due process had been violated because he was not given a fair trial. He argued that his previous owners had promised him his freedom, but after their deaths, he was sold to new owners who refused to honor that promise. Despite having lived as a free man in a free territory, he was still considered a slave based on his status at birth.

Lastly, Scott asserted that his right to equal protection under the law had been violated. He argued that as a black man, he was not recognized as a citizen and therefore did not have the same legal protections and rights as white citizens. His case challenged the constitutionality of the Missouri Compromise and questioned the rights and status of African Americans in the United States.