Question

Dred Scott sued for his freedom, arguing that
(A) the institution of slavery was immoral and unjust
(B) he had been forced into slavery through illegal means
(C) he had been a resident of a state where slavery was illegal
(D) slavery was a violation of constitutional rights
(E) his owner had abused and tortured him

Answer 1

When Dred Scott sued for his freedom, he argued that "(C) he had been a resident of a state where slavery was illegal," since he had resided in the Illinois and Wisconsin territories. The court ruled against him since it was decided he could not claim US citizenship.