by Bruce A. Ragsdale, Director, Federal Judicial History Office, Federal Judicial Center
Learn about the case — historical background and documents
Download a PDF of the Historical Background and Documents
Amistad in the Federal Courts: A Brief Narrative
The Courts and their Jurisdiction
The Judicial Process: A Chronology
Legal Questions Before the Federal Courts
Legal Arguments in Court
Biographies
Media Coverage and Public Debates
Historical Documents
Bibliography and Resources
Amistad: The Federal Courts and the Challenge to Slavery