What was the key issue in the Dred Scott case?

The key issue in the Dred Scott case centered around the status of enslaved African Americans and whether they had the legal standing to sue for their freedom. Dred Scott, an enslaved man, sought legal emancipation after he had lived in free territories, arguing that his residency in those areas granted him the right to be free. The case ultimately reached the Supreme Court, which ruled that Scott, as a Black man, was not a citizen and therefore could not bring a suit in federal court. This ruling not only denied Scott his freedom but also reinforced the notion that enslaved individuals were considered property and had no legal rights. The case significantly heightened tensions over slavery and contributed to the national debate that led to the Civil War. This emphasis on the legal status and rights of enslaved persons is what makes the correct answer crucial to understanding the implications of the Dred Scott decision.