The Dred Scott Decision There have been several cases in the history of the Supreme Court that have had a powerful impact on both the highest court of the land and the history of the United States. The Dred Scott decision can definitely be included in this category of monumental cases that changed the course of American history. Until this decision the Supreme Court had a flawless reputation. Its prestige and credibility were beyond reproach. …showed first 75 words of 2095 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2095 total…decision was a major factor in dividing the nation beyond repair. It was the moving force for the Civil War that followed it. The Supreme Court's consideration of the case represented the last chance for a peaceful and legal solution to the issue of slavery. All prior political solutions proposed by Congress proved futile. Having exhausted both political and legal means for a solution, the fanatics took over and the bloodshed of war became inevitable.