What was the significant ruling in the Dred Scott vs. Sanford case?

The ruling in the Dred Scott vs. Sanford case is significant because it declared that African Americans sold into slavery do not have rights protected by the Constitution. This 1857 Supreme Court decision held that enslaved individuals and their descendants were not considered citizens of the United States and therefore could not sue in federal court. Additionally, the ruling stated that the federal government had no authority to regulate slavery in the territories, reinforcing the institution of slavery and limiting the rights of enslaved people. This decision had profound implications, contributing to the national divisions that eventually led to the Civil War. The ruling underscored the systemic inequalities and injustices faced by African Americans at the time.