Chief Justice Taney's most infamous decision was in the case of Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857). In this decision, Taney, speaking for the majority of the Supreme Court, ruled that Dred Scott, a slave, could not sue for his freedom because he was not considered a citizen. Furthermore, Taney declared that the Missouri Compromise, which restricted slavery in certain territories, was unconstitutional.
The decision had significant flaws, including:
1. **Denial of Citizenship:** Taney asserted that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, could not be considered citizens. This decision not only denied Dred Scott his freedom but also had broader implications for the status of African Americans in the United States.
2. **Invalidation of the Missouri Compromise:** Taney's ruling declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, stating that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in the territories. This decision fueled tensions over the issue of slavery and contributed to the lead-up to the Civil War.
Chief Justice Taney's decision in the Dred Scott case is widely criticized for its legal and moral flaws and is considered one of the most controversial and damaging decisions in the history of the U.S. Supreme Court.