What was the central issue in the Dred Scott vs. Sanford case?

The central issue in the Dred Scott v. Sanford case revolved around whether slaves were considered property under the law. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that Dred Scott, an enslaved African American man, was not a citizen and therefore had no legal standing to sue in federal court. The decision reinforced the idea that enslaved individuals were considered property, which meant that they had no rights that recognized them as citizens. This ruling had profound implications, effectively nullifying the distinction between free and slave states and validating the institution of slavery across the United States.

This case is often viewed as a pivotal moment in American history because it heightened tensions between the North and South over the issue of slavery and contributed to the events leading up to the Civil War. Understanding this outcome offers insight into the broader struggles over civil rights and the legal status of different groups in American society during this period.