In Dred Scott v. Sandford (argued 1856 -- decided 1857), the Supreme Court ruled that Americans of African descent, whether free or slave, were not American citizens and could not sue in federal court. The Court also ruled that Congress lacked power to ban slavery in the U.S. territories.
In dred scott v sandford the Supreme Court ruled that Americans of African descent, whether free or slave, were not American citizens. The court also ruled that Congress lacked power to ban slavery in the U.S. territories. This case was the most important slavery-related decision in the United States Supreme Court's history. case was argued 1856, decided 1857
