<span>The major organization that set standards for the field of medicine is referred to as the American Medical Association, although it should be noted that many such organizations have existed before.</span>
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.
