What was the majority opinion concerning scotts claim to freedom which was based on the fact that he had been first to illinos and then Wisconsin?

Answer 1

In the Dred Scott v. Sandford case, the majority opinion, delivered by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, ruled that Scott's residence in free territories like Illinois and Wisconsin did not grant him freedom. The Court argued that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, could not be considered citizens and thus had no right to sue in federal court. Additionally, the decision reinforced the idea that Congress lacked the authority to prohibit slavery in the territories, further entrenching the institution of slavery in the United States.