Plessy v. Ferguson [1896]
163 U.S. 537 (1896) · Supreme Court of the United States · United States
Summary
Critical background to Brown and equal protection doctrine.
Facts
Homer Plessy challenged Louisiana railroad segregation under the Fourteenth Amendment.
Issue
Did state-mandated racial segregation violate equal protection?
Held
The Court upheld segregation; the rule was later repudiated.
Ratio Decidendi
The case is overruled and studied for the rejected separate-but-equal doctrine.
Obiter Dicta
Justice Harlan argued that the Constitution is color-blind.
Reasoning
The majority accepted separate facilities as constitutionally permissible, while Justice Harlan dissented.
Significance
Critical background to Brown and equal protection doctrine.
Related Cases
- Brown v. Board of Education347 U.S. 483 (1954)
Exam Tips
Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.