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Do I agree with Dread Scott? No, there are a lot of court decisions that I disagree with. Do I acknowledge that it was a valid decision by the court and legally binding? Yes, I do. One does not have to agree with the court. In fact, it doesn't matter if you or I agree with the decision at all. The Supreme Court's opinion is the only one that matters. And their decision was that unilateral secession as practiced by the southern states was illegal.

And their decision was that unilateral secession as practiced by the southern states was illegal.

And as you know, the Court took this position as early as 1862.

I've seen posted to the moderated ACW newsgroup that the decision this in the Prize cases was unanimous. The court did split 5-4 on WHO had the authority to put down the rebellion, the president or Congress.

I haven't found this unanimous thing independently myself.

Walt

"In fact, it doesn't matter if you or I agree with the decision at all. The Supreme Court's opinion is the only one that matters"

These statements show a complet disrespect for the founding principles of the American revolution and the Constitution. The people are to be the ultimate power in the government. The people are to guard and protect their rights against all tyrants be it Lincoln or the current judicial tyranny. Juries are to decide the law and the fact. They have the right and duty to interpret the law just as much as the supreme court. Furthermore, the union of States was originally an agreement entered into by free States and the States as parties to the contract are to ensure that the contract is followed. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS NOT TO BE THE FINAL ARBITER OF WHETHER ITS ACTIONS ARE LEGAL. When the federal government violates its contract, the constitution, the States are to stop the abuse by nullification and imposition, and if necessary, secession. This is what our founding fathers intended. The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of Jefferson clearly show this. The very foundation of our government is based on the idea that "whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

To say that the Supreme Court's opinion is the only one that matters is extremely shallow and an admission of judicial tyranny. If thats the form of government you want, continue to ascribe to it. As for me, in the immortal words of the Southern Statesman, Patrick Henry, "Give me Liberty, or give me Death."