The Court Case

Supreme Court on La Amistad

Author: Allison Khan

As La Amistad arrived in the United States the question of what to do with the remaining people on board became a prominent question. Since the Slave Trade was abolished in both the Unites States and Spain, they technically had to be declared “free citizens.” However, many people at the time did not agree with this sentiment and thus the case was taken to the Supreme Court where the Mende (African) people were represented by John Quincy Adams. In this case, Adams purported that the Africans were being wrongfully enslaved under international law, and should therefore be considered free (Nester 140). On the other hand, the appellants (represented by Henry Gilpin) purported that the insurrection was somewhat unlawful and unjustified. Over the course of two years the case finally reached a decision, and in a 7-1 majority vote the Mende people were declared free. The majority decision was given by Justice Joseph Story, and sided with the argument presented by Adams in their enslavement being wrong under international law (United States v. The Amistad). This case was definitely a watershed moment not just for the people of La Amistad, but also for the beginnings of civil rights movements in places like America. Through this case one can see a dramatic change over an extensive period of time as in years prior (during the active Slave Trade) these peoples who most likely have been declared enslaved. Although this was a small step in the larger fight for civil rights for Africans still illegally being captured and enslaved, it demonstrates a willingness to fight back both physically and legally. With all this in mind, this Supreme Court case provides insight to the broader view of civil liberties and civil rights for African peoples in places like Europe and the Americas.

Nester, William. “The Masters Nightmare.” In The Age of Jackson and the Art of American Power,

1815-1848, 137-146. Washington, D.C.: Potomac Books, 2013.

United States v. The Amistad, 40 US 518 (1841) (“the appellees who declared as alleged ‘slaves’ were

wrongfully captured and sold, therefore declaring them free”)