Who was the Chief Justice that wrote the important decision in the Dred Scott case, asserting the principle of social responsibility of private property?

Study for the AMSCO AP United States History Exam. Dive into flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The Chief Justice who wrote the important decision in the Dred Scott case was Roger Taney. In the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision of 1857, Taney asserted that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, were not American citizens and therefore had no right to sue in federal court. The ruling also declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, stating that Congress did not have the power to regulate slavery in the territories. This decision underscored the principle of the social responsibility of private property, as Taney argued that slaveholding was a constitutionally protected right. His reasoning reflected the prevailing views of the time regarding property rights and slavery, which had far-reaching implications leading up to the Civil War.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy