I swear this is not a cheat, So Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision, what where each of their "cases" I cannot follow links, but If you could give me a little insight on each of their ideas, it would help. I have to right an essay and I am not sure, and I am not sure what the decision was. Thank you.
Sure! I can help explain the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision and the cases involved. Plessy v. Ferguson was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case decided in 1896. The case revolved around racial segregation laws, particularly those in Louisiana.
The main parties involved in the case were Homer Plessy, a man of mixed racial heritage who identified as black, and the State of Louisiana. The state had enacted a law, known as the "Separate Car Act," which required segregated railway facilities for white and black passengers. Plessy deliberately violated this law and was arrested.
Now, let's break down each of their "cases" or arguments in more detail:
1. Homer Plessy's case:
Plessy argued that the separate railcar law violated the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees equal protection under the law. He claimed that segregation perpetuated racial stigma and inferiority, thereby violating his constitutional rights.
2. The State of Louisiana's case:
Louisiana, on the other hand, argued that the separate railcar law was a reasonable exercise of its authority to regulate public utilities, under the doctrine of "separate but equal." The state claimed that segregation does not imply racial inferiority but merely ensures social order and harmony.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court, in a 7-1 decision, upheld the constitutionality of the separate railcar law and rejected Plessy's arguments. The Court introduced the "separate but equal" doctrine, stating that as long as separate facilities for different races were provided, even if they were not equal, it did not violate the Fourteenth Amendment.
This decision enshrined racial segregation as a legal practice, allowing for the establishment of "Jim Crow" laws, which enforced racial segregation in various aspects of public life. The Plessy v. Ferguson decision remained in effect until it was overturned by the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
I hope this explanation helps you understand the Plessy v. Ferguson case and its significance. It should provide you with a good foundation for your essay.