The Supreme Court’s Role in Shaping Civil Rights
Landmark Civil Rights Cases Decided by the Supreme Court Throughout U.S. history, the Supreme Court has played a pivotal role in defining and expanding civil rights. Landmark cases decided by the Court have shaped the nation’s laws, challenging societal norms and pushing the boundaries of equality. These cases have set crucial legal precedents, influencing how rights are protected for marginalized groups. But how did the Supreme Court help transform civil rights in America?
Featuring ACTEC Fellows Terrence M. Franklin and Sandra Chan, and Guest Professor Christopher W. Schmidt
“Equal Justice Under Law” is etched above the entrance of the United States Supreme Court, but throughout history, the law has evolved to reflect the changing views of society and the justices who interpret it. How have critical civil rights cases in the U.S. shaped our legal landscape? In this discussion, a professor, researcher, and author will share valuable insights into groundbreaking civil rights cases that have altered the course of American history.
ACTEC Fellow Sandra J. Chan leads an enlightening conversation with Professor Christopher W. Schmidt, an expert on American legal and constitutional history, to explore America’s ongoing journey toward equality through significant Supreme Court rulings—some of which have even been revisited in later decisions.
Terrence M. Franklin: Exploring the Dobbs v. Jackson Decision and Civil Rights
A few weeks ago, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization removed abortion rights, underscoring the complex history and present-day state of civil rights in the U.S. Today, we are joined by Professor Christopher Schmidt, a distinguished law scholar, to discuss the pivotal cases that have raised critical issues of discrimination and inequality in America. ACTEC Fellow Sandra Chan will guide this conversation with Professor Schmidt.
Sandra Chan: Introducing Professor Christopher Schmidt
I’m honored to introduce Professor Christopher Schmidt, a research professor at the American Bar Foundation. Chris specializes in U.S. legal and constitutional history, focusing on the relationship between intellectual history, social movements, and constitutional change during the 20th century. He is also the editor of the ABF’s Law and Social Inquiry Journal and a law professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Chris is the author of Civil Rights in America: A History, making him uniquely qualified to discuss this crucial topic. For more details on Chris’s prolific work, please visit this video’s webpage at actec.org/diversity.
Chris, can you help us understand what constitutes a civil rights case
Professor Christopher Schmidt: Defining Civil Rights Cases
Great question, Sandra. To kick things off, let’s first define what a civil rights case is. It’s not as simple as it may seem. While we frequently use the term “civil rights” to describe various legal cases and societal issues, the precise definition has evolved over time. In fact, what qualifies as a civil rights issue has been a topic of debate.
At its core, a civil rights case challenges discrimination against historically oppressed or politically marginalized groups. These cases often address inequalities related to race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics under the law.
Sandra Chan: Notable Civil Rights Cases We Should Know About
With this definition in mind, what are some of the landmark cases that illustrate how the courts have addressed these civil rights issues?
Professor Christopher Schmidt: Key Civil Rights Supreme Court Cases
I’ll walk you through several major cases. For convenience, I’m focusing on U.S. Supreme Court decisions, as they are among the most well-known and impactful. I’ll group them into pairs to show the shifts in how the Court has approached certain civil rights issues. Note that these cases don’t cover all civil rights areas, such as voting rights or criminal justice, which are topics deserving of their own in-depth discussions.
Let’s begin with the first pairing:
The Civil Rights Cases (1883) and Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States (1964)
The first case dates back to 1883, known as The Civil Rights Cases, where the Supreme Court ruled that Congress did not have the authority to pass a law prohibiting racial discrimination in public accommodations. This case occurred after Congress passed a Civil Rights Act in 1875 aimed at ending discrimination in places like hotels and restaurants.
However, almost 80 years later, in Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States (1964), the Court came to the opposite conclusion. The 1964 Civil Rights Act—passed by Congress—prohibited racial discrimination in public accommodations, and the Court upheld its constitutionality, affirming that Congress had the authority to enforce such laws.
Key takeaway: The Court’s role in civil rights cases can sometimes be secondary to legislative actions. In these instances, Congress passed laws protecting civil rights, while the Court acted to either affirm or challenge those laws.
Supreme Court Cases Shaping the Future
Professor Christopher Schmidt:
Reflecting on these cases reveals some important lessons. One of the key takeaways is that while the Supreme Court has made landmark decisions that advanced civil rights, it hasn’t always gotten it right. For example, by comparing The Civil Rights Cases with Heart of Atlanta Motel or Plessy v. Ferguson with Brown v. Board of Education, we see that the Court sometimes errs, but it also has the capacity to correct itself. However, there are instances where people still feel the Court has made the wrong decision and hasn’t yet addressed those mistakes.
Cases like Washington v. Davis and McCleskey v. Kemp illustrate how the Court’s interpretation of the Equal Protection Clause could be expanded. These cases highlight a modern issue—racial inequality that isn’t always directly linked to explicit acts of racial discrimination, as was more apparent during the Civil Rights Era, when overt racism and white supremacy were more visible.
Today, racial inequalities are often deeply embedded in societal structures and practices, making them more challenging to address. Civil rights cases, though powerful, are not always the perfect tool to tackle these ingrained issues. However, there is potential for improvement. We should consider how courts can better use the law to safeguard civil rights and address modern racial disparities.
Key Landmark Civil Rights Cases
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
One of the most significant rulings in American history, Brown v. Board of Education struck down the doctrine of “separate but equal” established in the 1896 case Plessy v. Ferguson. The Court’s unanimous decision declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, stating that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. This case became a cornerstone for the Civil Rights Movement, leading to desegregation across the nation.
Roe v. Wade (1973)
A landmark case for women’s rights, Roe v. Wade legalized abortion across the United States. The Supreme Court ruled that a woman’s right to choose an abortion fell under the constitutional right to privacy, sparking debates that continue today. This decision reshaped the landscape of reproductive rights and has been central to discussions on personal autonomy and government intervention in private matters.
Loving v. Virginia (1967)
In Loving v. Virginia, the Supreme Court struck down laws banning interracial marriage. The case involved Richard and Mildred Loving, a couple who were sentenced to prison in Virginia for marrying across racial lines. The Court ruled that anti-miscegenation laws violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, solidifying the right to marry regardless of race.
Shelby County v. Holder (2013)
The Shelby County v. Holder decision marked a significant rollback of voting rights protections established under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Court ruled that certain provisions of the act, particularly the requirement for preclearance by federal authorities for changes to state voting laws, were unconstitutional. This decision sparked a national conversation about voting rights, especially in relation to racial discrimination in the voting process.
Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)
Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage across all 50 states, marking a historic moment for LGBTQ+ rights. The Supreme Court ruled that the 14th Amendment guarantees the right to marry for same-sex couples, affirming that marriage equality is a fundamental right. This case was a major victory for the LGBTQ+ community and a testament to the evolving interpretation of civil rights under the Constitution.
Grutter v. Bollinger (2003)
The Grutter v. Bollinger case upheld the use of affirmative action in university admissions. The Supreme Court ruled that the University of Michigan Law School could consider race as one factor in its admissions process to promote diversity, thus reaffirming that race-conscious admissions policies are constitutional under certain circumstances. The decision reaffirmed the importance of diversity in higher education.
How These Cases Impacted American Society
These landmark rulings reflect the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the U.S. Each case, in its own way, has contributed to changing societal values, addressing injustices, and ensuring that constitutional rights extend to historically oppressed groups.
- Brown v. Board of Education laid the groundwork for further desegregation in public spaces.
- Roe v. Wade highlighted women’s autonomy and reproductive rights, triggering ongoing debates.
- Loving v. Virginia made clear that racial discrimination in marriage is unconstitutional.
- Shelby County v. Holder challenged the balance between protecting voting rights and states’ powers.
- Obergefell v. Hodges was a crucial step toward LGBTQ+ equality.
- Grutter v. Bollinger demonstrated the complexities surrounding affirmative action and diversity.
Conclusion
The U.S. Supreme Court has been a crucial player in advancing civil rights and social justice through its decisions. These landmark cases not only changed the legal landscape but also shaped cultural attitudes and societal norms. As new challenges to civil rights emerge, the Court’s role in interpreting the Constitution will remain central to ensuring that equality is upheld for all citizens, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the significance of Brown v. Board of Education?
Brown v. Board of Education overturned racial segregation in schools, declaring that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.
2. What did Roe v. Wade decide?
Roe v. Wade legalized abortion in the U.S., ruling that it is a woman’s constitutional right to choose an abortion under the right to privacy.
3. How did Loving v. Virginia change marriage laws?
Loving v. Virginia struck down anti-miscegenation laws, affirming the right to marry regardless of race.
4. What was the impact of Shelby County v. Holder?
Shelby County v. Holder weakened protections in the Voting Rights Act, particularly the preclearance requirement for voting law changes.
5. What did Obergefell v. Hodges achieve?
Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, affirming marriage equality as a fundamental right.
6. What is the significance of Grutter v. Bollinger?
Grutter v. Bollinger upheld the use of affirmative action in college admissions to promote diversity.
