A Legal Slave Uprising? | United States v. The Amistad

[@iammrbeat]

My book about everything you need to know about the Supreme Court is now available! Amazon: amzn.to/3Jj3ZnS Bookshop (a collection of indie publishers): bookshop.org/books/the-power-of-and-frustration-with-our-supreme-court-100-supreme-court-cases-you-should-know-about-with-mr-beat/9781684810680 Barnes and Noble: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-power-of-our-supreme-court-matt-beat/1142323504?ean=9781684810680 Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=the+power+of+our+supreme+court&crid=3R59T7TQ6WKI3&sprefix=the+power+of+our+supreme+courth%2Caps%2C381&ref=nb_sb_noss Mango: mango.bz/books/the-power-of-our-supreme-court-by-matt-beat-2523-b Target: www.target.com/p/the-power-of-our-supreme-court-by-matt-beat-paperback/-/A-86273023 Walmart: www.walmart.com/ip/The-Power-of-Our-Supreme-Court-How-the-Supreme-Court-Cases-Shape-Democracy-Paperback-9781684810680/688487495 Chapters Indigo: www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-power-of-our-supreme/9781684810680-item.html?ikwid=The+Power+of+Our+Supreme+Court&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0#algoliaQueryId=eab3e89ad34051a62471614d72966b7e

[@EKR640]

i love how they tried to argue as if the Africans somehow imprisoned and enslaved themselves... yeah real smooth...

[@iammrbeat]

That blew my mind when I read it.

[@MHO999999]

That was a ridiculous argument, can't beleive they actually did that.

[@ilikedota5]

@@iammrbeat I've read the entire argument, and I think I missed it. Do you have a citation?

[@trueblade3636]

Well Africans do have their fellow Africans enslaved to

[@ilikedota5]

@@trueblade3636 but not on the ships. The argument according to Mr. Beat was that they kidnapped themselves and placed themselves onto the slave ships, but I didn't quite see that argument. Might have been obfuscated by the older language.

[@stalkinghorse883]

As long as everyone involved in this case was trying to be as absurd as possible, I am surprised that no one tried to argue the the Africans were illegal aliens and should be deported.

[@iammrbeat]

Ha! Well they kind of did.

[@TheIbney00]

What a weird case. I love it. Four parties, one being a lawyer for another country. Absolutely crazy set of events.

[@iammrbeat]

Agreed! I agree with justice Story. The whole thing was "peculiar and embarrassing."

[@taintedtaylor2586]

Funniest of it all, “Amistad” means Friendship in Spanish, such a friendly action to illegally sell slaves and later try to put them into trial for trying to free themselves.

[@techcommenter]

Remember when the Supreme Court took decisions as a body rather than on partisan lines.

[@iammrbeat]

Yeah, it does seem to be rather partisan today in the Court, which explains why so many people literally vote for a President for the justice nomination.

[@Shardok42]

Pepperidge Farms remembers.

[@theluckyone3212]

Ik I’m late but Stephen Breyer actually said in an interview, take not this was when Scalia was alive, that the court voted unanimously 40% of the time and only voted 5/4 25% of the time

[@dancingzorbas]

Quite a shame your Briefs don't do as well, I find them equally if not more informative than some of your other videos. Constitutional law is a tough subject to review and study but well worth the effort.

[@iammrbeat]

Yeah. Sometimes it can indeed be difficult to take the dry opinions of old white dudes who died hundreds of years ago and make them accessible, which is why I like to focus on the ordinary people affected by these cases. Your support and kind words mean a lot!

[@FoxElliott]

One of the few cases in the past where we can affirmatively say justice prevailed absolutely.

[@glima519]

John Quincy Adams is undoubtedly the president to have the coolest life after his term in office has ended

[@defaultusername1145]

Jimmy carter had a cooler life post presidency

[@glima519]

@@defaultusername1145 carter was cool, just not the "successfully argued before the SCOTUS for the freedom of dozens of escaped slaves" kinda cool

[@somehaloguy9372]

​@@glima519 aye Carter never got the chance to do that. He's too young

[@excelisfun]

Thanks for your well made and informative videos, Mr Beat!

[@iammrbeat]

Well thanks for your support!

[@chaollapark7739]

O please don't stop the supreme court briefs!!!

[@iammrbeat]

That will never happen. I will eventually release them less frequently, though.

[@TheVistastube]

Mr. Beat Please do what's best for you, but that's still sad..

[@shannonbeat]

Srivatsan Sampath weekly videos are a lot of work but he loves making them.

[@diegotz8]

The Supreme Court briefs are the best, it's a shame not so much people get to see them, please keep them coming!

[@iammrbeat]

A shout out to Elcaspar, my wonderful Patreon supporter who suggested this case, and I'm glad he did. Do you want a specific SCOTUS case covered? Your idea gets picked when you donate at least $3 or more on Patreon: www.patreon.com/iammrbeat Edit: Well holy crap. Thanks for the 500 likes everyone! It looks like I'll be accepting the #inmyfeelingschallenge. Look for that livestream some time next week on my Facebook page. Edit(again): I did it: facebook.com/iammrbeat/videos/2105962636142330/

[@kelvinpang438]

Mr. Beat LOL,312 likes in 3 hours,thats why you never go so low when saying such challenges,especially if you get very few likes for your Vids on average cause people may like on mutiplr accounts too.

[@zhubajie6940]

Wow! The briefs are my favorite part of your channel. That's why I subscribed. As for the lack of support , I just don't understand some people.

[@iammrbeat]

Good to know! Glad you dig them. :D

[@zachary2407]

Same^^

[@pranavprakash4460]

Everyone is wired differently. I personally agree with you but everyone has their subjects that they like and those that they don’t.

[@BROSKIALLDAY]

Don’t worry about the views on these videos. True fans of the channel like these videos more than any other. Just the way the KZbin algorithm is geared towards videos like “top 5 lists” those videos end up being recommended more often. But trust me, these videos are truly the most informative and entertaining series on your channel.

[@SagaciousSilence]

Please never stop making this show! It’s a perfect blend of being educational and interesting! Sometimes real life is just really fascinating and Supreme Court cases offer a treasure trove of fascinating history (both in good and bad decisions).

[@christiantopayung5789]

It's amazing that Chief Justice Taney vote in support for The Amistad

[@amarakanneh6628]

Which is crazier because the dude was about as racist as it gets. He voted against Dred Scott.

[@Dragonite43]

It is interesting that Taney voted for the Africans in this case, but voted differently in the Dred Scott v. Sandford.

[@seneca983]

Maybe the difference (in his mind) was that Scott had legally been a slave in the US.

[@greatkentuckian9032]

@@seneca983 True. These slaves were not even owned by Americans. So as cargo to an international group, the US had no say in the matter, and just let them be freed.

[@seneca983]

@@greatkentuckian9032 "the US had no say in the matter" That clearly wasn't a part the ruling.

[@whodoobucrew2960]

These videos are some of my favorite on YT. I find constitutional law fascinating, and you are one of the few people who do if justice. Your videos make my day. Please keep up the good work

[@iammrbeat]

That means a lot, Joe. Thank you so much. And you said "justice." Pun intended? :D

[@whodoobucrew2960]

Mr. Beat Very much so. Got any recommendations for similar channels you enjoy?

[@shannonbeat]

Joe Bubenz check out Knowing Better, Stepback History, and Mr Betts Class

[@jerrythecool2884]

The supreme court briefs are my favorite part of your channel.

[@iammrbeat]

Well that's awesome to hear! :D

[@reakwon693]

Man, these are the only videos of u that I watch, and I literally watch all of your Supreme Court briefs! So dude pls keep on doing them

[@shannonbeat]

reakwon693 thanks for watching!

[@GhostRetch]

The supreme court brief shows are some of my favorites. Bonus points if they are topical 4 current events.

[@iammrbeat]

Yeah that always helps with engagement!

[@Jbdhbc]

Had no idea this was a thing, thanks Mr Beat!

[@valmid5069]

"And if it means civil war... then let it come. And when it does, may it be, finally, the last battle of the American Revolution." -John Quincy Adams (Anthony Hopkins)

[@georgewashington673]

This case was decided during William Henry Harrison's presidency, making it arguably the most significant event of Harrison's very short time in office

[@alexkrakowski8597]

Don’t work Mr. Beat, I watch every Supreme Court brief. I got your back Jack! Great work on each and every.

[@SagaciousSilence]

I just looked through your videos and saw that the Supreme Court brief videos don’t get as many views as your other videos. This I simply do not understand. These videos are AMAZING! I really hope these videos catch on because they’re amazingly entertaining and educational.

[@iammrbeat]

That means so much. Thank you!

[@StefanMilo]

That one turned out well. Put my Friday on a good footing!

[@iammrbeat]

Heck yeah. Taney surprised me in this one!

[@kingace6186]

This Supreme Court Brief deserves a Netflix Special.

[@couch_gag]

Supreme Court Briefs are my favourite videos of yours

[@iammrbeat]

That's so lovely to hear.

[@EPluribusUnumYT]

Meh, I liked his songs and PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY More

[@tugteen]

I love your videos Mr. Beat, keep going don't get discouraged! Great content like yours is what keeps me coming back!

[@daveyboy5270]

I love your brief series, keep 'em coming! Gave you a like so only 36 to go til DANCE TIME!

[@machonsote918]

"Amistad" translates to "Friendship"........The "ship" was a vessel of "friends".

[@Winsto25]

:D Joseph Story was my Great great great great great Grandfather! My mother's a Story.

[@iammrbeat]

Holy crap. What a Story! But seriously, what a story! That's awesome. He was one of the strongest justices we've ever had.

[@dugroz]

Thanks for your Story.

[@nicholasdibari9095]

Once again Mr. Beat you made an awesome video!

[@iammrbeat]

Thanks so much! :D

[@ashtoncollins868]

President During this time: Martin Van Buren/William Henry Harrison Chief Justice: Roger B. Taney Argued February 22 - March 2, 1841 Decided March 9, 1841 Case Duration: 15 Days Decision: 7-1 in favor of The Amistad (Taney, Story, McKinley, Wayne, Thompson, McLean, Catron. Baldwin for US.)

[@SiVlog1989]

I find it very ironic that Roger Taney voted in favour of the Africans in this case, but years later he would post the Majority Opinion on the infamous Dred Scot Case, where he very much voted against someone trying to get their freedom from Slavery

[@SiVlog1989]

When I first heard of the Revenue Cutter Service, I first thought it was just a fancy name for tax collectors

[@seneca983]

I think "cutter" is a type of ship.

[@darreljones8645]

This US Supreme Court ruling was one of the few noteworthy events that happened during William Henry Harrison's month long Presidency,

[@no64256]

It's seems like every time I hear more about John Q. Adams, the cooler he is

[@parulrawat9893]

Sure thing pal

[@no64256]

@@parulrawat9893 ?

[@parulrawat9893]

@@no64256 I mean how can somebody hate this guy other than a Jackson supporter.. He and his father deserved more terms

[@charliesarver]

@@parulrawat9893JQA was so good after his presidency that I don’t think it mattered. He ended up leaving a positive impact on our country anyways.

[@georgewashington673]

Interesting that Roger Taney, James Wayne, and John Catron all ruled in favor of the Amistad but against Dred Scott. Only John McLean ruled in favor of both the Amistad and Dred Scott. I wonder why?

[@anttibjorklund1869]

Wait wait wait.... *Taney* sided with the _Amistad_ slaves?!

[@erezrosenhek6727]

I like the whiteboard at the end

[@josestarks8892]

Wow! Slaves earn the right to not be called slaves and to go back home in the 1840s! That's astounding!

[@vanyadolly]

And only because they were able to free themselves and kill their captors. Depressing to think of how many were in the same situation and didn't get as lucky.

[@HelloWorld-xf2ks]

Your supreme court briefs haven't been doing as well? That is sad, this is such a unique series. At least your other videos are also awesome.

[@iammrbeat]

Well that means a lot. Thank you!

[@johndesjardins8404]

I love your reader's digest version of the Amistad Case. But I have to clear up a few points about their stay in Connection. When the ship was captured off Montauk Point Long island. Then the ship was brought to New London, Connecticut and docked behind the New London Custom House to see if a crime was committed either by the Amistad Africans or Spanish Cubans. The ship Amistad was impounded with all it's cargo by the Custom House. Except the Amistad Africans were transferred to New Haven to wait trial to see if they were guilty or innocent of murder and mutiny. There first trial was in Hartford, CT at the Old State House. Where the Amistad Africans represent by Roger Sherman Baldwin were found innocent of charges. The Queen of Spain, the Spanish government and Martin Van Buren request a new trial. Martin Van Buren was up for reelection. He wanted to get the support of the slave states. But as you know he lost the election to William Henry Harrison. The final trial was at the Supreme Court in Washington DC with representation by John Quincy Adams were they also were found innocent of all charges and were set free from jail in New Haven, CT. The Amistad Africans were taken to Farmington CT by abolitionist to live until enough funds were raised so a ship could take them back to their homeland around Sierra Leone. There is more to Amistad Africans story, so do your own research, it's interesting.

[@villagecarpenter2266]

I was on a "full scale" replica of this boat in Greenport Long Island 2 weeks ago, you would not believe how small she is.

[@Tom-eq7eh]

Just had a prager u ad which reduced my iq by 30%, so i have to watch a mr beat video to fix it. But now im even smarter than before. Thanks mr beat

[@caboose.20]

"Is that legal?" "I will make it legal."

[@clerickolter]

The movie was excellent and I recommend seeing it. *Amistad*

[@alyburr6645]

ahhh I'm glad I've been binging these supreme court briefs bc I now finallyyyy know what movie we watched in 8th grade geography class years ago which I've been trying to remember for ages! the only thing I still knew was that a bunch of possibly enslaved africans arrived in the US and ended up being represented by john quincy adams

[@hoodclassicsofcalifornia]

A realy weird case but one with a good ruling

[@ארזקורן-ט8ג]

Great video! Also, nice board at the end

[@rin_etoware_2989]

fancy seeing Taney here

[@jaydentownsend5402]

Been binging your stuff for dayzzzz.

[@giasfelfebrehberc]

One thing I'd like to point out is that the Amistad movie by Steven Spielberg had Harry Blackmun (THAT Harry Blackmun) play Justice Joseph Story. That's pretty neat

[@johnmartinez2445]

I cant be the only one waiting for this channel to blow up

[@liamosburn9824]

It is upsetting that I have never heard of this case before. Thanks Public Schools

[@amarkarim2783]

please keep making videos...Its going to be special.

[@XiaosChannel]

I really love this series btw.

[@tonethymcbuttox5830]

I love how at the beginnning the ship is moving backwards, It's just funny lol

[@rzu1474]

That's weird anyway... How can slavery be legal, but kidnapping not? Like... How did the legal system excuse that?

[@mnm1273]

well the initial arguments were generally based around arguing black people weren't humans. Racism was key in the slave trade as it both (in part) caused and "justified" their actions.

[@jimbrogan9835]

Thank you, I really appreciate these supreme court briefs. Although I was familiar with this one because of the movie about it, I really enjoy learning the history of court decisions.

[@robertbrown5319]

The Africans aboard were lucky their leader Joseph Cinque was reasonably well-educated and was able to testify effectively at the trial.

[@JKB-qp6sf]

Thank you so much for doing the video. Can you also do: Miranda v. Arizona Tennessee v. Garner Castle Rock v. Gonzales

[@breannap8585]

The 13th Amendment did not abolish slavery. It made it illegal to enslave anyone who was not in prison. It's a very important distinction

[@842wolves]

The Amistad movie is one of my favorites for sure.

[@christiandevey3898]

One question I have: In the end you said that they were returned to Sierra Leone, were they originally from their or did they just figure any part of Africa would do

[@iammrbeat]

No, as I understand it, they were from Sierra Leone

[@christiandevey3898]

well that's good

[@skankhunt-zw6gg]

I love your videos I am learning so much of America through your videos and Soth Park episodes as well.

[@superdoglogan]

Great video

[@iammrbeat]

Thank you!

[@SimonNilges]

Wait ROGER TANEY sided with the Africans??? I'm shocked

[@HistoricWrath]

How does Roger Taney go from voting with the majority in this case to writing the Dredd Scott decision?

[@foxfoster1]

I cannot believe what happened at 3:56

[@dugroz]

Still love the intro.

[@Homeminboss]

This would make a great 1970 movie

[@pocketsycho8720]

American slaves "what about us?"

[@Nomorehats]

5:10 I this why its called "the peculiar institution?"

[@philipsullivan4885]

So Taney voted for the enslaved people here but against Dred Scott?

[@temporaryusername11]

peculiar and embarrassing is such an appropriate description

[@RickJaeger]

What a strange vote for Taney, considering his later vote and opinion in _Dred Scott._

[@XiaosChannel]

You should talk to guys at complexly! aka hank green or someone works for him. I got to your channel because of his video about the court system. I'm sure he would promote what you're doing.

[@iammrbeat]

That is awesome. Wait he promoted it?!? I actually met Hank in June.

[@XiaosChannel]

Mr. Beat The U.S. Federal Court System: kzbin.info/aero/PLrrb6Kww-RX1XX82FSpJGVna8Nx7yTADc

[@st3435]

Just found this. Liked. Subscribed. Alerted. Great stuff, man!

[@iammrbeat]

Welcome!!!

[@iammrbeat]

And thank you so much!

[@stefanozucchelli5410]

And the captain of the ship that they killed? Was it self-defence against a kidnapper?

[@iammrbeat]

Indeed

[@strider04]

I have actually seen the ship its at mystic seaport if i recall correctly

[@dexteww]

It’s going to happen with rsa as well

[@shatley123]

Is that 1997 movie any good?

[@cbwavy]

shatley123 it's definitely worth a watch

[@scotandiamapping4549]

How did Spain react to the ruling?

[@marcyadams8156]

lol...I can't wait to see you gigging...

[@finitewehosh6542]

I look forward to the dance. MEWHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA.

[@schlempfunkle]

Love these. Please do THEM ALL. Also your wife is super cute and I’m happy for you. Now get to work! Lol love you

[@TASprocudtions454]

Why did your video about the differences between Vermont and New Hampshire get taken down?

[@iammrbeat]

Somebody made a false copyright claim which I am still fighting. Actually, the gentleman who made the claim retracted, but #youtube STILL has not put the video back up. It's really annoying, and has frankly made me really anxious ever since.

[@TASprocudtions454]

Here’s hoping you come out on top! Nobody messes wi h Mr. Beat and gets away with it!

[@philipgagarin6673]

Do Paul v. Virginia next Mr.Beat

[@AjarTadpole7202]

On one hand, slavery is disgusting. On the other, I can't help but laugh at the fact Spain got themselves a representative in a SCOTUS case.

[@dangerousbeing150]

Justice Taney, for Amistad? I'm reading this right? It's not a typo?

[@SHDUStudios]

The movie they made was great too.

[@rin_etoware_2989]

I think the audio messed up by 3:30.

[@iammrbeat]

Are you sure the problem wasn't just on your end? It played fine on my devices.

[@rin_etoware_2989]

Mr. Beat Pretty sure. Either that or I didn't realize why the audio suddenly sped up.

[@cowcopter2556]

Well, it got over 500 likes in 48 hours, where's the livestream

[@iammrbeat]

lol amazing. Well awesome. I got practice some more, but it will likely be coming on Monday.

[@burntramennoodles1723]

The end of the video was so cute :).

[@trafichat]

This was such a freaking azycray case.

[@josestarks279]

Wait? Roger Taney agreed with the Amistad?