In 3-4 sentences, develop an argument to support the concept of ‘judicial restraint’ in the Supreme Court’s decisions of Plessy v. Ferguson and the concept of ‘judicial activism’ in the Supreme Court’s decision of Brown v. Board of Education.
In the case of Plessy v. Ferguson, judicial restraint was evident in the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the constitutionality of racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine. The Court deferred to the existing laws and did not overstep its boundaries by attempting to make a sweeping societal change. Conversely, in Brown v. Board of Education, judicial activism was demonstrated by the Court's decision to overturn the precedent set in Plessy and declare that separate educational facilities for black and white students were inherently unequal. This decision was a bold move to actively promote equality and justice, showing a willingness to challenge and reshape societal norms. Ultimately, the contrasting approaches in these cases highlight the importance of balancing judicial restraint with activism in promoting justice and equality.
