THE CASE OF DRED SCOTT IN THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT. THE FULL OPINIONS OF CHIEF JUSTICE TANEY AND JUSTICE CURTIS, AND ABSTRACTS OF THE OPINIONS OF THE OTHER JUDGES; WITH AN ANALYSIS OF THE POINTS RULED, AND SOME CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
New York: Greeley & McElrath, 1857. Original unbound copy in stitches as issued. Near Fine with minimal wear and toning to rear leaf. Item #List3411
The first edition of the summary of the landmark case, which includes Justice Taney’s assertion that people of African descent “are not included, and were not intended to be included, under the word ‘citizens’ in the Constitution, and can therefore claim none of the rights and privileges which that instrument provides for and secures to citizens of the United States.” Widely considered the worst ruling in the history of the Supreme Court, the case had significant influence on the events that led to the Civil War. This is a particularly well preserved copy of the first edition, in stitches as issued, and never bound. Besides the opinions of Justice Taney and Curtis, the report of the Joint Legislative Committee at Albany is included at the end.
Blockson 2556. Sabin 78257.
Price: $675.00