Supreme Court Validates Separate But Equal Doctrine

May 18th, 1896

May 18th, 1896

Supreme Court Validates Separate But Equal Doctrine
How Long Ago?

128 years, 9 months, 25 days ago

Location

Louisiana, United States

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Homer Plessy
  • Justice Henry Billings Brown
  • Justice John Marshall Harlan
Links & References
Tags

Supreme Court Validates Separate But Equal Doctrine

In a landmark decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of the constitutionality of racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine, stemming from the case Plessy v. Ferguson. Homer Plessy, a man of mixed race, was arrested for sitting in a 'whites-only' train car in Louisiana, defying segregation laws. The Court ruled that segregation did not violate the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, effectively legitimizing state laws enforcing racial segregation across the nation.

Homer Plessy challenged segregation laws.

Court ruled in favor of 'separate but equal'.

Decision impacted civil rights for decades.

Dissent warned of the ruling's future repercussions.

What Happened?

The Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson arose from an incident in 1892 when Homer Plessy, who was one-eighth Black, sat in a 'whites-only' passenger car of a Louisiana train and was arrested for violating state segregation laws. Plessy challenged the law in court, contending that it infringed upon his rights under the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law. The case ultimately reached the Supreme Court, where the justices handed down a 7-1 decision in 1896, authored by Justice Henry Billings Brown. The ruling established the 'separate but equal' doctrine, which stated that if separate facilities for the races were equal, segregation did not violate the Constitution. This ruling provided legal justification for racial segregation across various public facilities in the United States, including schools, transportation, and restrooms.

The dissenting opinion, expressed by Justice John Marshall Harlan, starkly criticized the majority's ruling, arguing that it was a betrayal of the principles of freedom and equality. Harlan famously predicted that the decision would become as infamous as the Dred Scott decision. Despite this dissent, the ruling reinforced the legality of racial segregation, paving the way for Jim Crow laws that institutionalized discrimination against African Americans for decades to come. Thus, the Plessy case marked a significant moment in the legal acceptance of racial discrimination.

Why Does it Matter?

The Plessy v. Ferguson decision legitimized racial segregation laws across the United States, establishing a legal precedent for the 'separate but equal' doctrine that would endure until the civil rights movement in the mid-20th century. This ruling facilitated the development of the Jim Crow system, which enforced strict racial segregation and oppression in many aspects of public and private life. The case is noteworthy not only for its immediate effects on American society but also for its lasting legacy in civil rights discourse and legal battles, ultimately leading to its overturning by Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.

Discover More Historic Events from May 18th

Politics & Government

Joe Biden Launches Presidential Campaign

May 18th, 2019 5 years ago

Joe Biden officially announced his candidacy for the presidency in a speech delivered at a campaign kickoff event in Philadelphia. The announcement highlighted his vision for restoring the 'soul of America' and emphasized unity and empathy. His campaign would focus on key issues such as health care, education, and climate change, and he aimed to build a coalition of diverse voters. Biden's significance in the race stemmed from his long political history, including two terms as vice president.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Cubana de Aviación Flight 972 Crash

May 18th, 2018 6 years ago

Cubana de Aviación Flight 972 experienced a crash just after takeoff from José Martí International Airport in Havana, Cuba, in which 112 of the 113 individuals on board lost their lives. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-201, was bound for Holguín when it encountered difficulties soon after departure. The sole survivor, a female passenger, faced significant injuries but survived the crash.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Santa Fe High School Shooting Claims Ten Lives

May 18th, 2018 6 years ago

A lone gunman opened fire at Santa Fe High School, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals. The shooter, Dimitrios Pagourtzis, began his attack shortly after the first bell, using a shotgun and a .38 caliber revolver. Many of the victims were students, and the incident also left several others injured. Local and federal law enforcement quickly responded to the scene, and the shooter was taken into custody. The event sparked nationwide discussions about gun control and school safety.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Deadly Landslide Hits Salgar, Colombia

May 18th, 2015 9 years ago

In Salgar, Colombia, heavy rainfall caused a massive landslide, resulting in over 78 confirmed deaths. The landslide buried homes and swept away residents in the small town, with rescue efforts hampered by unstable conditions. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to locate survivors and recover bodies, while the government declared a state of emergency. Communities rallied to support the victims, showcasing solidarity amid the disaster's impact on the town's infrastructure and population.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Sri Lankan Government Defeats LTTE

May 18th, 2009 15 years ago

The Sri Lankan government declared victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), marking the end of a civil conflict that lasted nearly 26 years. The brutal fight culminated in the defeat of the LTTE, which had been fighting for an independent Tamil state in the northern region of Sri Lanka. The military offensive against the LTTE intensified in 2006, leading to a rapid escalation of conflict in the final months leading to their defeat. International reactions varied, with some praising the end of terrorism while others expressed concern over human rights violations during the final assault.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Nepal's Landmark Bill Redefines Monarchy's Role

May 18th, 2006 18 years ago

The post Loktantra Andolan government enacted significant legislation that curtailed the powers of the monarchy and established Nepal as a secular state. This moment came after a decade of civil unrest and political upheaval, resulting in broad public support for changes to the constitutional framework. The bill was passed by the newly formed government, reflecting the aspirations of many citizens for a more democratic society.

Continue Reading