Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
Dred Scott, an enslaved man, sued for freedom after living in free territories. The Supreme Court ruled that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, were not citizens under the Constitution and therefore had no standing to sue. The Court also struck down the Missouri Compromise as unconstitutional, claiming Congress lacked authority to prohibit slavery in the territories.

Ex parte Milligan (1866)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
Lambdin Milligan, a civilian in Indiana, was arrested during the Civil War and tried by a military tribunal for alleged disloyal activities. The Supreme Court held that trying civilians in military courts is unconstitutional when civilian courts are open and functioning.

3) Why It Mattered
This case set a powerful precedent protecting civil liberties during wartime. It declared that the Constitution applies “equally in war and in peace.”