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Dred Scott v. Sandford
After his owner died, Dred Scott spent time working for subsequent owners in two different states. Shortly after he married, he attempted to buy his freedom for himself and his family but failed so, he took it to the courts. The Supreme Court ruled that anyone of African descent in America, whether they were free or slaves, weren’t US citizens and could not sue in the federal court. -
13th Amendment
The 13th amendment stated, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." This was created during the post Civil War era known as Reconstruction. -
14th Amendment
The 14th amendment, also created during the Reconstruction Era, addresses issues involving citizenship rights and equal protection of laws. It also granted citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the US, including former slaves. -
15th Amendment
This was another amendment created during Reconstruction that gave African-American MEN the right to vote. It also stated that they shall not be denied their right to vote based on their race, color, or previous condition of servitude. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
The Seperate Car Act stated that there must be separate railway cars for black and white people. Plessy, ⅞ Caucasian, sat in the whites-only car, but when Plessy was told to leave he refused and was arrested. Plessy’s lawyers argued the Separate Car Act violated the 13th and 14th amendment, but Plessy was convicted. Supreme Court held that the Louisianalawwasconstitutionaland that the 14th amendment established equality for races before the laws, but the separate treatment did not mean inferior. -
19th Amendment
From the creation of the United States to 1920, only men were allowed to vote in elections. However, that all changed with the 19th Amendment. This amendment granted women the right to vote which prohibited any United States citizen to be denied their right to vote based on sex. -
White Primaries Abolition
The purpose of white primaries to prevent people of color, especially former slaves, from voting in primary elections allowing for only white people to vote, hince the name. This was also part of the Jim Crow Laws that took place in the southern states. -
Brown v. Board of Education
This case was a combination of cases from Kansas, South Carolina, Virginia, Delaware and Washington D.C.. This case related to the segregation of public schools that denied admittance to schools based on race. They argued that the segregation of public schools violated the 14th amendment protection clause. The Court decided that the whole separate but equal thing does indeed violate the 14th amendment protection clause. -
Affirmative Action
This action stated there can’t be discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, or national origin. Affirmative action was a way to promote equal opportunity through society. -
24th Amendment
In the mid-1960’s, a form of discrimination called poll taxes were put into place that made people pay a small tax before they could vote. Though it was never a lot of money, it was enough that it prevented poor African Americans and whites from voting. However, the 24th Amendment was created to prohibit any poll tax in elections for federal courts. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
This act prevented segregation in public places and also banned employment discrimination based on someone’s skin color, race, sex, religion, or national origin. This is considered one of greatest achievements of the Civil Rights Movement. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, this acts purpose was to overcome barriers at the state and local which prevented African Americans from their right to vote guaranteed by the 15th amendment. -
Abolition of Poll Taxes
Poll taxes were established in some states as part of the Jim Crow Laws in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The purpose of these were to help prevent African Americans from voting in federal elections, which violated the 15th amendment. -
Reed v. Reed
The Idaho Heir laws say "men must be preferred to females” in appointing administrators of estates. Sally and Cecil Reed’s adopted son died and they both wanted to become the administrators of their son’s estate. The two Reeds were separated at the time. According to the Heir law Cecil was appointed an administrator and Sally challenged this in court. The court held that this law was unconstitutional and said they argued that this was prohibited by the protection clause of the 14th amendment. -
Equal Rights Amendment
The Equal Rights Amendment is a proposed amendment that focuses on providing full equality for both sexes. Had a massive impact in changing the view on man and female equality throughout America, although there was diffuculty getting it passed, and controversial actions taken by states. -
Regents of the University of California v Bakke
Allan Bakke, a 35 year old white man was denied twice from the University of California Medical school because they reserved 16 spots out of 100 for qualified minitories. This was apart of the school's affirmative action program.
Bakke argued that he was rejected on a basis of race first in state courts, then in the Supreme Court. The decision was that university’s use of racial quotas in the admission process was unconstitutional. -
Bowers v. Hardwick
A police officer entered the home of Michael Hardwick in Atlanta and saw Hardwick and another man engaging in a sexual act. The officer then preceded to arrest both of them. The officer’s warrant was determined to be invalid later. The district attorney chose not to prosecute Hardwick, but Hardwick filed a federal suit against the officer. Hardwick argued the officer his constitutional right to privacy. The Court upheld the Georgia law banning sodomy and it was a close 5-4 decision. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
In 1990, this civil rights law prevents the discrimination based on any type of disability. This would include several areas like employment, transportation, public accommodations, and access to state and local government program and services. This law isn’t just for employees, but also for applicants that seek a certain position. -
Lawrence v. Texas
Police officers responded to a reported weapons disturbance at John Geddes Lawrence’s apartment.The police entered without a warrant and saw Lawrence and another man involved in a sexual act with another man. Both Men were arrested and charged with “deviate sexual intercourse”. This case went to the Supreme Court. The Court ruled on a 6-3 decision that the Texas law prohibiting certain intimate sexual conduct between consenting same-sex adults was unconstitutional.
