Jones v. VanZandt

Mon, 01 Feb 1847 13:00:00 +0000

Case Basics

Petitioner

Jones

Petitioner Type

Petitioner

Respondent

VanZandt

Respondent Type

Respondent

Heard By

Taney Court (1846-1851)

Decided By

Taney Court (1846-1851)

Opinion

46 U.S. 215 (1847)

Argued

Monday, February 1, 1847

Decided

Friday, March 5, 1847

Facts of the Case

Nine slaves who lived in Kentucky escaped into Ohio, to head north toward freedom. VanZandt gave them a ride in his wagon. Two slavehunters gave chase and took VanZandt and the slaves to Kentucky. VanZandt was later charged with harboring and concealing slaves in violation of the federal Fugitive Slave Act. Van Zandt lost and he appealed his case to the Supreme Court.

Question

Is the Fugitive Slave Law unconstitutional because the Constitution confers to Congress no power over the subject?

Conclusion

The Fugitive Slave Law was constitutional. Slavery remained a matter for the states individually to decide. Southern participation in the Union imposed a promise on the Constitution protecting the institution of slavery. There was no "higher law" that justified striking down a constitutionally permissible statute.

Cases - 1847 term

Jones v. VanZandt