Explain the impact of the dred Scott decision?

The Dred Scott case reached the Supreme Court because of the confusion over his status as a slave.

The nub of the matter was that Scott's master had taken him into free soil - where Scott could have been entitled to his freedom for life - but then brought him back into slave country.

When the master died, his family were divided over Scott's status, and whether he was classed as property that could be left to someone in a will.

The local judges wanted him kept as a slave, and put obstacles in his path when he tried to sue for his freedom.

That is why the case was referred to the Supreme Court, with the controversial decision that followed.