The Dred Scott v. Sanford case involved a Supreme Court ruling about which issue?

The Dred Scott v. Sanford case is a pivotal moment in U.S. history, primarily centered on issues related to civil rights and the legal status of an individual who was enslaved. Dred Scott, an enslaved African American, sued for his freedom based on his residence in a free state and territory. The Supreme Court's ruling, issued in 1857, stated that Scott, as an enslaved person, was not a citizen and therefore could not sue in federal court. The court further declared that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in federal territories, which effectively denied the rights of African Americans, whether free or enslaved.

This landmark decision underscored the deeply entrenched systemic racism of the time and fueled debates that escalated into the Civil War. The implications of the ruling affirmed the notion that African Americans were not entitled to the same rights as white citizens, making the case a significant reflection of civil rights issues in America. The ruling highlighted the legal and societal boundaries placed upon enslaved individuals and reinforced the institution of slavery.

The other topics presented do not directly relate to the Dred Scott case, making the focus on civil rights and the rights of a slave the most accurate context for the Supreme Court's decision.