Brown v. Board of Education [1954]

347 U.S. 483 (1954) · Supreme Court of the United States · United States

Summary

Landmark equal protection decision overruling Plessy in public education.

Facts

Black schoolchildren challenged segregated public schools.

Issue

Does racial segregation in public schools violate equal protection?

Held

Yes. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.

Ratio Decidendi

State-imposed public school segregation violates the Equal Protection Clause.

Reasoning

Segregation stigmatized students and denied equal educational opportunity.

Significance

Landmark equal protection decision overruling Plessy in public education.

Related Cases

Exam Tips

Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.

Sources