The Dred Scott Decision: Democrats, Republicans, and the Legacy of Slavery
The Dred Scott decision of 1857, one of the most infamous in Supreme Court history, continues to spark debate and controversy. A recent claim circulating on social media suggests that all seven justices who ruled in the majority were Democrats, while the two dissenting justices were Republicans. However, a fact check reveals that while the majority justices were indeed Democrats, one of the dissenting justices, Benjamin Robbins Curtis, identified as a member of the Whig Party.
The Dred Scott decision denied freedom to Scott, a slave who had sued for his freedom in 1846. Chief Justice Roger Taney’s opinion stated that Black people were not considered citizens under the Constitution. The decision aimed to settle the question of slavery in the territories, but the start of the Civil War just four years later proved otherwise.
Historical context is crucial in understanding the roles of the Democratic and Republican parties at the time. In the 1850s, the Republican Party, led by Lincoln, was organized around the principle of free soil, opposing slavery in the Western territories. On the other hand, the Democratic Party had strong support in the South due to its pro-slavery stance.
The transition of the Democratic Party into a party of progressive causes was not straightforward. President Woodrow Wilson, known for his progressive policies, was also noted for his racist views. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century, with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, that Southern Democrats began to question their party affiliation.
The legacy of the Dred Scott decision remains relevant today, as the impact of slavery and Jim Crow laws continues to affect African Americans. Implicit and explicit biases persist, highlighting the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States.
In conclusion, while the claim about the party affiliations of the justices in the Dred Scott decision is partly false, the historical context surrounding the decision and the political landscape of the time provide valuable insights into the complexities of American history.
