Supreme Court Case Project You will be assigned a Supreme Court case ✓ Solved

You will be assigned a Supreme Court case at random. All of these cases have had an effect on our rights. You and a partner will be responsible for researching your case. You will be writing a one-page (roughly) case report, and creating a presentation or poster for your case. Your case report will include a paragraph for EACH of the following:

  • Intro: who was involved and what happened

  • What was the issue?

  • What was the effect of the case on our country?

Your presentation or poster will include the following:

  • Bullets of the main points of the case

  • What was the court’s decision, including the vote count?

  • At least 4 pictures or photographs

  • Creativity

  • Presentation or poster will be done so that the rest of the class can get the information.

Paper For Above Instructions

The Supreme Court of the United States plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution and adjudicating important legal issues. This paper will explore the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which effectively addressed racial segregation in public schools and altered the landscape of civil rights in America.

Introduction: Who Was Involved and What Happened

Brown v. Board of Education was a significant Supreme Court case that originated from the consolidation of five different cases challenging the constitutionality of racial segregation in public schools. The lead plaintiff, Oliver Brown, was a parent from Topeka, Kansas, who sought to enroll his daughter, Linda Brown, in a white school closer to their home, despite the fact that she had to attend a segregated black school, which was significantly farther away. The other cases involved similar situations in Virginia, Delaware, South Carolina, and Washington D.C., all challenging the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896).

What Was the Issue?

The primary issue before the Supreme Court was whether state-sanctioned segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Proponents of segregation argued that the "separate but equal" doctrine justified racially segregated schools. However, the plaintiffs contended that segregated schools were inherently unequal, thus violating their constitutional rights. The case reached the Supreme Court, where it was heard in December 1952 and reargued in 1953. The Court had to examine not only the legal precedent but also the social and psychological evidence surrounding the effects of segregation on African American children.

What Was the Effect of the Case on Our Country?

The unanimous decision of the Supreme Court, delivered by Chief Justice Earl Warren on May 17, 1954, declared that racial segregation in public education was unconstitutional. The Court's ruling effectively overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and set a powerful precedent for the civil rights movement, signaling a shift towards greater equality and justice in American society. Brown v. Board of Education served as a catalyst for subsequent civil rights actions, fostering a spirit of activism and leading to further legal challenges against segregation and discrimination.

Main Points of the Case

  • Cases consolidated into Brown v. Board of Education addressed the constitutionality of racial segregation in schools.

  • The Supreme Court's decision unanimously stated that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal."

  • The ruling was based on the violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

  • The Court ordered the desegregation of public schools across America, which faced resistance in several states.

The Court’s Decision and Vote Count

The Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education was unanimous, with a 9-0 vote against segregation in public schools. This landmark decision not only marked a major victory for the civil rights movement but also led to subsequent legislation aimed at dismantling segregation across various aspects of society.

Visual Elements for Presentation or Poster

In a presentation or poster format, the following visuals could enhance understanding and engagement:

  • Photographs of the Brown family and other plaintiffs who fought against segregation.

  • Images depicting segregated schools and facilities at the time.

  • Charts or infographics showing the progression of desegregation in schools across America.

  • Historical documents or excerpts from the Supreme Court's decision that highlight key points.

Creativity can be expressed through the design layout, colors, and engaging elements to make the information accessible and interesting. Consider using digital tools or crafts to create an impactful presentation that resonates with classmates and provides a comprehensive overview of the case.

Conclusion

The influence of Brown v. Board of Education continues to resonate today. The ruling not only transformed public education but also set a precedent for future civil rights cases, demonstrating the judiciary's role in social change. Comprehensive understanding of such landmark cases helps foster informed discussion about the ongoing struggle for equality and civil rights in America.

References

  • Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954).

  • Kluger, R. (1975). Simple Justice: The History of Brown v. Board of Education and Black America's Struggle for Equality. Knopf.

  • Murray, C. (2014). Brown v. Board of Education: A Time to Speak. Blue Ear Books.

  • Litowitz, D. (2005). “Rethinking the Judicial Branch.” University of Maryland Law Journal of Race, Religion, Gender and Class.

  • Tushnet, M. (1999). Taking the Constitution Away from the Courts. Princeton University Press.

  • Gary, S. (2014). "The Impact of Brown v. Board of Education: 60 Years Later," Harvard Educational Review.

  • Chafe, W. H. (1991). Civilities and Civil Rights: Greensboro, North Carolina, and the Black Struggle for Freedom. Oxford University Press.

  • Turner, J. (2007). Without Reservations: The Future of Civil Rights Education. The University of North Carolina Press.

  • National Park Service. (2017). "Brown v. Board of Education." Retrieved from [NPS.gov](https://www.nps.gov/brvb/index.htm).

  • Schwartz, B. (1993). Massive Resistance: The White Response to the Civil Rights Movement. The University of North Carolina Press.