“In each of the cases other than the Delaware case, a three-judge federal district court denied relief to the plaintiffs on the so-called ‘separate but equal’ doctrine announced by this court in Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U.S. 537.” The Supreme Court cites these cases because it seeks to: A. Describe the unique situation in Delaware courts. B. Illustrate the racial biases of federal court judges. C. Cite specific legal rulings in order to generalize. D. Share the unique differences between the given cases.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. Cite specific legal rulings in order to generalize.
In the context of the Supreme Court’s reference to the “separate but equal” doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson, the Court is highlighting the legal framework that had been used to justify racial segregation in public facilities. The cases mentioned, which were decided by three-judge federal district courts, reflect the application of this doctrine across different jurisdictions, demonstrating a consistent adherence to Plessy‘s ruling. By citing these cases, the Supreme Court aims to generalize the prevailing legal attitudes towards racial segregation during that era, showing that multiple courts interpreted and applied the doctrine in similar ways.
This citation serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it underscores the widespread acceptance of the “separate but equal” doctrine, indicating that the issues of racial discrimination were not confined to any single region or court system but were prevalent across various federal jurisdictions. Secondly, it sets the stage for the Supreme Court to challenge and ultimately overturn the “separate but equal” doctrine in its subsequent rulings, most notably in Brown v. Board of Education (1954). The Court’s acknowledgment of these prior rulings demonstrates an understanding of the historical context and legal precedents that framed the debate over segregation and civil rights.
Thus, the reference to these cases is not merely an observation of differences or biases but rather a strategic legal move to build a comprehensive argument against the continued validity of the Plessy decision. It illustrates the need for a reevaluation of racial segregation laws, paving the way for significant legal reforms aimed at achieving racial equality in American society.