The Dred Scott Case: Its Significance in American Law and Politics

Name: The Dred Scott Case: Its Significance in American Law and Politics
Price: 28.49 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (62 reviews)

4.8 of 5 Stars: Legal History - The Dred Scott Case: Its Significance in American Law and Politics

$28.49

Buying Options

Description

Book Synopsis: Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1979, The Dred Scott Case is a masterful examination of the most famous example of judicial failure--the case referred to as "the most frequently overturned decision in history." On March 6, 1857, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney delivered the Supreme Court's decision against Dred Scott, a slave who maintained he had been emancipated as a result of having lived with his master in the free state of Illinois and in federal territory where slavery was forbidden by the Missouri Compromise. The decision did much more than resolve the fate of an elderly black man and his family: Dred Scott v. Sanford was the first instance in which the Supreme Court invalidated a major piece of federal legislation. The decision declared that Congress had no power to prohibit slavery in the federal territories, thereby striking a severe blow at the legitimacy of the emerging Republican party and intensifying the sectional conflict over slavery. This book represents a skillful review of the issues before America on the eve of the Civil War. The first third of the book deals directly with the case itself and the Court's decision, while the remainder puts the legal and judicial question of slavery into the broadest possible American context. Fehrenbacher discusses the legal bases of slavery, the debate over the Constitution, and the dispute over slavery and continental expansion. He also considers the immediate and long-range consequences of the decision.

Details

Discover the groundbreaking book that delves into one of the most pivotal moments in American history - The Dred Scott Case: Its Significance in American Law and Politics. Holding the prestigious Pulitzer Prize since 1979, this masterpiece provides an unparalleled examination of the infamous judicial failure that changed the course of the nation. Not only was this decision the most frequently overturned in history, but it also remains a timeless example of the power wielded by the Supreme Court.

Immerse yourself in the events that unfolded on March 6, 1857, when Chief Justice Roger B. Taney delivered a controversial ruling against Dred Scott. With compelling arguments, Scott claimed emancipation after residing with his master in the free state of Illinois and federal territory where slavery was forbidden. Beyond the personal fate of one man, this landmark case triggered a chain reaction, challenging the authority of Congress to regulate slavery in federal territories.

As you journey through the pages of this book, you'll gain valuable insights into the legal and political turmoil that existed on the brink of the Civil War. The initial chapters draw you directly into the courtroom, dissecting the case itself and unraveling the Supreme Court's historic verdict. However, the author, Fehrenbacher, goes beyond the surface, placing the slavery debate within the broader American context.

Explore the legal foundations of slavery, the contentious Constitution, and the relentless dispute over continental expansion. By examining the immediate and long-term consequences of the decision, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the societal impact and the subsequent proliferation of sectional conflict.

This brilliant work is not just a historical retelling but also a thought-provoking analysis of America's complex journey. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of our nation's narrative. Grab your copy of The Dred Scott Case today and embark on an enlightening adventure through the annals of American law and politics.

Get your copy here!

See All Buying Options...

More Details...