One famous protest artist who adheres to the creed that those in a position to do something to uphold basic human rights must do so is Dred Scott. Dred Scott was a black slave from the 18th century who was denied his constitutional right to purchase property. His goal was to buy himself freedom. Scott’s slave master died, and he attempted to purchase freedom; however, the principal of judicial review (set by John Marshall) was exercised and extended to a point in which it was blatantly stated that American rights did not apply to blacks and those of African descent. This ruling caused southern states/territories to uphold slavery and implied that Congress didn’t have any right to outlaw slavery in a federal territory (e.g., a pro slavery state).