Dred Scott v. Sandford is widely considered one of the most influential cases of judicial review in the history of the United States.  It stands as one of many court cases that caused Americans to consider the role and status of African Americans within American society. There are numerous other cases that have called into question the rights of African Americans.  In this culminating activity, students are asked to investigate another case involving the rights of African Americans and consider the legacy of Dred Scott v. Sandford within the case and ruling. 

For this final task, students can choose how to present their information. Options may include a presentation, poster, essay or oral presentation.  

All finished products should include the following information:

  • the basic facts of the case→ Who, what, when, where
  • the main ideas from the majority opinion and at least one dissenting opinion
  • the impact of the case on the rights of African Americans in relationship to citizenship
  • Optional-the impact of this case in the media (i.e. newspaper editorials, political cartoons, speeches from public figures)

The final product should address:

  • In what ways are the cases similar? In what ways are the cases different?
  • How the precedent of the Scott case did or did not impact the outcome of the case?

Consider the following cases to assign or allow students to choose from.:

  • Education Equality-
    • State of Missouri ex. rel. Gaines v. Canada, University of Missouri (1938)
    • Sweatt v. Painter (1950)
    • Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas (1954)
    • ​​Cooper v. Aaron (1958)
  • Housing Equality-
    • Shelley v. Kraemer (1948)
  • Marriage Equality
    • Loving v. Virginia (1967)
  • Transportation Equality
    • Browder v. Gayle (1956)
    • Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
  • Voting Equality-
    • Strauder v. West Virginia (1879)
    • Smith v. Allwright (1944)

Legislative Review