FT: Dred Scott Decision

by Bonnie L. Lukes

Traces the history of the landmark Supreme Court decision that defined the rights of slaves in the United States. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1560062703
• ISBN13: 9781560062707
• Release Date: November 1996
• Publisher: Lucent Books
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 9 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 12

Customer Reviews

Simple and To the Point

The vocabulary level of the book shows this is not necessarily a children's book, but then it is not strictly a scholarly tome. This is part of a larger series called The Famous Trials Series. The book contains a little over 80 pages of text and pictures as well as an annotated bibliography of sources used and recommended reading. The author explains the context of the Scott v. Sandford decision both historically and judicially. She explains how the case worked its way through the Missouri state courts, then into the federal courts. In each instance, the author explains the arguments being made as well as the court's decision. Throughout the book, the author includes pictures of some of the main players, such as Chief Justice Taney, and historical images. The historical images include posters from the era concerning abolitionist political rallies. Although the size of the print makes it a little difficult to read the poster reproductions, they are legible and add to the understanding of the times. I would recommend this book as a quick review of the trial.