“We think the Dred Scott decision is erroneous. We know the court that made it has often overruled its own decisions, and we shall do what we can to have it overrule this.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
Quote
“We think the Dred Scott decision is erroneous. We know the court that made it has often overruled its own decisions, and we shall do what we can to have it overrule this.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Abraham Lincoln’s strong opposition to the Dred Scott decision (1857), a landmark Supreme Court ruling that declared African Americans, whether free or enslaved, could not be considered citizens of the United States. The decision also ruled that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in the territories, effectively expanding slavery and undermining the principles of the Missouri Compromise and the Northwest Ordinance. Lincoln’s statement highlights his belief that the ruling was morally and legally wrong, and his commitment to challenging it, which was central to his political agenda during his presidential campaign in the 1850s and 1860s.
The historical context of this quote places it during a time when the United States was deeply divided over the issue of slavery. The Dred Scott decision was a significant victory for pro-slavery forces and intensified sectional tensions, particularly between the Northern and Southern states. Lincoln, who had gained national attention through his debates with Stephen A. Douglas, saw the ruling as an attempt to extend slavery into new territories and states, threatening the nation’s future. His appeal to the Court’s history of overruling itself reflects his belief that even the highest judicial authority could correct its own mistakes, especially if public opinion and political actions were aligned against it.
In modern terms, this quote serves as a reminder of the role of the judiciary in shaping social and political landscapes, and the importance of legal challenges to unjust rulings. The principle that courts can revisit and reverse previous decisions is a cornerstone of judicial checks and balances. Lincoln’s words also underscore the idea that political leadership and public advocacy can influence the course of legal decisions, particularly in matters of profound national importance. Just as Lincoln sought to challenge the Dred Scott decision through public discourse and legislative action, modern leaders continue to shape legal outcomes by influencing the public’s understanding of justice and equality.
