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Dred Scott v. Stanford
The Dred Scott v. Sandford was a case in the 19th century that was over the legality of Mr. Scott being brought as a slave into states where slavery was illegal. It was ruled 7-2 in favor of John Sandford, saying that since Dred Scott had no rights as an American citizen, these laws didn't apply to him. -
13th Amendment
Both slavery and indentured servitude are illegal in the United States, unless as a severe punishment. All states were to follow this law unless given a special reason not to, and Congress has the authority to enforce this legislation by appropriate legislation. -
14th Amendment
Everyone born within the borders of the United States are to be granted citizenship. All and any former slave or members of indentured servitude are also granted full citizenship. -
15 Amendment
Every citizen in the United States of American has the undeniable right to vote. Congress shall have the authority to pass legislation and enforce this. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
This case was a landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court that set forth the idea of "Separate but Equal", meaning that White people and Minorities would have all of the same federal benefits, but would not intertwine with white citizens. All of the facilities were equal in quality. This case was important not only because of the outcome, but that the Supreme Court's intentions were to keep minorities away from white areas and utilities. -
19th Amendment
This amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote given to citizens of the United States on the basis of gender. -
White Primaries
These were elections in Southern States that didn't allow or count votes from minorities. It was a discriminatory act to keep white southerners at forefront of the political spectrum. -
Brown v. Board of Education
This case stated that racially segregated schools are unconstitutional, even if the segregated schools are otherwise of equal quality. This case began in Topeka, Kansas. -
24th Amendment
The right to vote in primary or other elections will not be taken away for hindrance in paying taxes. Congress shall have the power to enforce this through legislation. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
This act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. These new laws also covered occupational events, such as hiring, promoting, and firing. -
Affirmative Action
These are policies and practices within a government or organization that would embrace and include minorities of any stature in areas where they weren't generally welcome. -
Poll Tax
The Poll Taxes were discriminating taxes in the United State, which mostly took place in the south, that required different levels of education and other items less likely to be had by the poor and minorities, that kept them from voting. These taxes were made illegal by the 24th Amendment. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
An act placed to enforce the 15th amendment, this act outlawed the voting discriminating laws in the South. It was signed in by President Lyndon B. Johnson. -
Reed v. Reed
This case revolved around the initial ownership of estates, and whether the men calling for the land first was illegal. Their son passed away and the defendant and the prosecutor both wanted ownership. The father initially got it because Idaho gave men the right. The Supreme Court held that the Idaho law was unconstitutional, since it isn't gender equal. The court's decision was unanimous. -
Regents of the University v Bakke
This case was about racial discrimination and determining what policies and discrimination went too far. The University wanted to save 16 out of 100 seats for Minority Students, but since this was a severe racial factor and potentially violated the Equal Protection Clause, they lost the case. -
Equal Rights Amendment
This amendment, though not officially in the American Constitution, grants all American citizens equal rights. This would have a significant impact for labor laws and the military. It has still never been ratified, with anti-ERA groups working to shut the movements down. -
Bowers v. Hardwick
This case ruled that homosexual sex between consenting adults was illegal. It was stated as a crime "worse than rape" and would get in the way pf the pursuit of happiness. Though made illegal here, it would be overruled in Lawrence v. Texas. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. This covers employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to government programs. To the American government, a disability is any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. -
Lawrence v. Texas
This case is similar to Bowers v. Hardwick but laws against homosexuality are deemed unconstitutional and homosexuality is now legal again. -
Obergefell v. Hodges
This supreme court case was the final blow to anti-same-sex marriage activists, for this case made same-sex marriage legal nation-wide, no matter what state laws say. It gave legal status to the marriage, and the recognition. Justice Kennedy asserted that the right to marry is a fundamental right "inherent in the liberty of the person".