Lesson 20: Key Cases: Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education is a landmark case in the history of the United States Supreme Court. It addressed the issue of racial segregation in public schools and is a cornerstone in the development of the Equal Protection Clause under the Fourteenth Amendment. To dive deep into this case, consider reading "Brown v. Board of Education: A Brief History with Documents".
Historical Context
To fully understand Brown v. Board of Education, it's essential to consider the historical context. Before Brown, the doctrine of "separate but equal" established by Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) was the law of the land.
The Case
The case was brought by Oliver Brown, whose daughter, Linda Brown, had to travel a significant distance to attend an all-black school, despite living near a white school. Brown, along with other parents, challenged the segregation policy.
Legal Arguments
The plaintiffs argued that segregation by its very nature was unequal and violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The defense relied on the precedent set by Plessy v. Ferguson, arguing that segregated facilities were legally permissible if they were equal.
The Supreme Court Decision
On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court delivered a unanimous decision stating that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." The Court found that segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Impact and Legacy
The decision in Brown v. Board of Education marked the beginning of the end for racial segregation in the United States. It paved the way for the Civil Rights Movement and subsequent legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
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