Dred Scott
An enslaved African American who unsuccessfully sued for his freedom
Real World Example
Dred Scott was an enslaved African American man who filed a lawsuit seeking his freedom in the United States, known as the Dred Scott v. Sandford case. This case reached the Supreme Court in 1857, where the Court ruled against Scott, stating that African Americans could not be citizens and had no right to sue in federal court. This decision intensified tensions between the North and South over slavery, contributing to the Civil War. Today, Dred Scott's legacy reminds us of the importance of standing up for justice and equality, inspiring movements like Black Lives Matter that fight for civil rights. For example, when people protest against racial injustice today, they echo Scott's courage in challenging unfair systems, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for equality.
