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The Amistad: The Mende Slave Revolt
A group of enslaved Africans, who broke free of their captors, enter a federal court proceeding that will determine whether slave property rights are protected by federal law.
Famous Federal Trials
by Bruce A. Ragsdale, Director, Federal Judicial History Office, Federal Judicial Center
Learn about the case — historical background and documents
View/Download PDF (823.66 KB)
Classroom Materials and Activities
Power Point Lecture (PowerPoint, 3.45 MB)
Student Handout (PDF, 35.75 KB)
Resources for Judges
The Amistad Case — Suggestions for Judges (PDF, 86.4 KB)