Plessy Vs. Ferguson

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of the laws, and was proposed in response to issues related to former slaves following the American Civil War. However, the judge, John Howard Ferguson, ruled that Louisiana had the right to regulate railroad companies while they operated within state boundaries, meaning they can choose how Louisiana railroads run. Plessy was convicted and sentenced to pay a $25 fin. He immediately sought a writ of prohibition, this is a formal written order directing a subordinate to stop doing something the law prohibits. Two legal briefs were submitted on Plessy’s behalf. One was signed by Albion W. Tourgée and James C. Walker and the other by Samuel F. Phillips and his legal partner F. D. McKenney. Spoken arguments were held before the Supreme Court on April 13, 1896. Tourgée and Phillips appeared in the courtroom to speak on behalf of Plessy. Tourgée built a case on the violation of Plessy’s rights under the 13th Amendment and 14th Amendment and against the deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. Tourgée argued that the reputation of being a black man was "property", which, by the law, implied the inferiority or lower status, of African Americans as compared to whites.

In the 7 to 1 decision handed down on May 18, 1896, the Court rejected Plessy’s arguments based on the 14th Amendment, seeing no way in which the Louisiana statute violated it. In addition, the decision rejected the view that the Louisiana law implied any inferiority of blacks, in violation of the 14th Amendment. Instead, it contended that the law separated the two races as a matter of public policy. Homer Plessy was denied justice. The effect of the Plessy ruling was instant, there were already significant differences in funding for the segregated school system. This also continued into the 20th century. Many states consistently underfunded black schools, providing them with substandard buildings, textbooks, and supplies. States which had successfully integrated elements of their society abruptly adopted oppressive legislation that erased reconstruction era efforts.

I learned that not only did it take many years to end segregation but it took many cases including this one, where not only did African-Americans have to take a stand, but many in Congress did too. After learning the true meaning of “separate but equal”, there was no equality, there can’t be any separation in equality. There was also no need for segregation but being that there were still racists in Congress at the time, segregation became the only option in the a majority of Southern states. What I liked the most about this case was there was people like Albion W. Tourgée and Samuel F. Phillips who tried to further Plessy’s case and tried to help him get justice. What I dislike was Plessy’s injustice. There still many cases today, when justice for many black lives in America seems impossible, I hope one day this will all