Court Cases that shaped America

Plessy v. Ferguson

Apr 13, 1896

This 1896 was a fundamental court case for African Americans. It established the rule of separate but equal. This court case was truly ahead of its time and made way for future court cases that shaped America.

Schenck v. United States

1919

Schenck v. United States was a court case that challenged the Espionage Act of 1917. Schenck was arguing that it violated the 1st Amendment however, the court ruled that in a time of clear and present danger the first amendment does not protect you. Holmes, a supreme court justice, compared it to falsely shouting "fire" in a crowded theatre.

Brown v. Board of Education

May 17, 1954

The Brown v. Board of Education was the most important court case in America as it banned all segregation in public schools. This allowed People of color to attend the same school as white people however, many did not see this as a good thing. The National Guard was deployed in Little Rock Arkansas to help the people of color enter the school.