Key Facts
- Year Decided
- 1857
- Vote
- 7-2
- Category
- Civil Rights
Summary
Ruled that African Americans were not citizens and had no standing to sue.
One of the worst decisions in Court history. Overturned by the 13th and 14th Amendments.
Related Cases (Civil Rights)
Plessy v. Ferguson
1896Vote: 7-1
Upheld racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine.
Brown v. Board of Education
1954Vote: 9-0
Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.
Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States
1964Vote: 9-0
Congress can use the Commerce Clause to prohibit racial discrimination in private businesses.
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke
1978Vote: 5-4
Race can be a factor in college admissions but racial quotas are unconstitutional.