The Supreme Court decision Dred Scott v. Sandford was issued on March 6, 1857. Delivered by Chief Justice Roger Taney, this opinion declared that slaves were not citizens of the United States and could not sue in Federal courts. In addition, this decision declared that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional and that Congress did not have the authority to prohibit slavery in the territories. The Dred Scott decision was overturned by the 13th and 14th Amendments to the Constitution
Source
Primary Documents in American History. "Dred Scott v. Sanford." Date unknown. (10 January 2006); also National Archives and Records Administration. "Civil War and Reconstruction: The Dred Scott Decision." March 6, 1857. (10 January 2006). Created by Gary Keith and Mike Frost.