The Dred Scott v. Sandford decision of 1857 held that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, could not be considered citizens of the United States and therefore could not bring a case in federal court. The Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution did not grant them rights and that they were not part of the political community.
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, fundamentally changed the legal landscape established by the Dred Scott decision. The Amendment explicitly provides for citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States," which includes former slaves. This directly contradicts the Dred Scott ruling by recognizing African Americans as full citizens with legal rights.
The 14th Amendment also provides several important protections and rights to newly freed Black individuals, including:
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Equal Protection Under the Law: The Amendment mandates that no state shall deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This clause was designed to prevent racial discrimination and ensure that individuals are treated equally.
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Due Process: The 14th Amendment guarantees that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. This protects individuals against arbitrary denial of rights and freedoms.
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Privileges or Immunities: It prohibits states from making laws that infringe upon the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States, further securing individual rights.
In summary, the 14th Amendment directly overturned the implications of the Dred Scott decision by affirming the citizenship of African Americans and establishing foundational legal protections that paved the way for civil rights advancements in the United States.
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