122 year anniversary of one of the worst SC decisions ever

[martybegan]

This is a post to remind all those who follow the concept of "Roma Locuta Est, Causa Finita Est" when it comes to Supreme Court decisions they love, that the court can also produce some absolute garbage, such as Plessy.


Plessy v. Ferguson - Wikipedia

It also led to one of the greatest (even if inherently racist) dissents of all time.

The white race deems itself to be the dominant race in this country. And so it is in prestige, in achievements, in education, in wealth and in power. So, I doubt not, it will continue to be for all time if it remains true to its great heritage and holds fast to the principles of constitutional liberty. But in view of the constitution, in the eye of the law, there is in this country no superior, dominant, ruling class of citizens. There is no caste here. Our constitution is color-blind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens. In respect of civil rights, all citizens are equal before the law. The humblest is the peer of the most powerful. The law regards man as man, and takes no account of his surroundings or of his color when his civil rights as guaranteed by the supreme law of the land are involved. It is therefore to be regretted that this high tribunal, the final expositor of the fundamental law of the land, has reached the conclusion that it is competent for a state to regulate the enjoyment by citizens of their civil rights solely upon the basis of race.

In my opinion, the judgment this day rendered will, in time, prove to be quite as pernicious as the decision made by this tribunal in the Dred Scott Case.

What is showed is that Harlan refused to let his own views impact his views on the Constitution, unlike his peers in the majority of the court.

 

[Sunsettommy]

Yeah it was a TERRIBLE decision, that was contrary to common Sense and to legalized freedom for all citizens.