Plessy vs. Ferguson - What I Learned

Plessy vs. Ferguson - Learning From A Mock Trial Case

Plessy versus Ferguson was a landmark case, changing practices and viewpoints regarding racial segregation all across the United States in the year 1896. The decision regarding the case allowed for racial segregation to continue across America, depleting the progressive rights and opportunities for African Americans. This decision further pushed distinction between public amenities for blacks and whites.

The case initiated when Homer Plessy, a man having just 1/8 African American in his blood, rode on a train car that was for white people only. Plessy was very fair skinned, and often "passed" as white. Plessy purchased a first class train ticket from the station and boarded the "White's Only" car. Plessy was arrested when he refused to move to the "African American" train car. He was charged under the Separate Car Act, and his case eventually made way to the U.S Supreme Court on April 13, 1896.

Plessy argued against Judge John Ferguson under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, granting full and equal rights to African Americans. The court ruled that while the 14th Amendment hoped to create "absolute equality of the two races before the law", that could only be stretched so far as to political and civil laws, whereas social laws may be mildly exempt from this.

This court ruling basically allowed for the justice system to turn a blind eye to racial segregation in public settings. The Separate but Equal Doctrine would continue to haunt blacks and allow for them to experience blatant inferior treatment on a daily basis. This would be the common practice up until 1954, when the Brown vs Board of Education case would arise.

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