Brown v. Board & Plessy v. Ferguson

• The study guide covers Brown v. Board of Education & Plessy v. Ferguson

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

• This case established the "separate but equal" doctrine
• Homer Plessy challenged Louisiana's Separate Car Act
• He sat in a whites-only train car
• The Supreme Court ruled segregation was constitutional
• This reinforced racial segregation in public facilities

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

• This case overturned Plessy v. Ferguson
• The Court declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional
• It was argued that segregation creates feelings of inferiority among Black children
• This violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment

Key Arguments in Brown v. Board of Education

• Public education is essential for success in life
• Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal
• Segregation negatively affects children's development

Impact of Brown v. Board of Education

• This led to desegregation in schools and public facilities
• It fueled the Civil Rights Movement
• It established legal precedents for future cases against racial discrimination

Judicial Branch & Supreme Court

• The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction and judicial review power
• Justices are appointed for life and rule on constitutional issues
• Major cases shape national laws and civil rights

Key Terms

• Separate but equal: Doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson
• Equal Protection Clause: Part of the 14th Amendment, basis for Brown ruling
• Judicial Review: Supreme Court's power to overturn unconstitutional laws
• Dissenting Opinion: A justice's disagreement with the majority decision