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Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) | Civics Matter

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Plessy v. Ferguson

Supreme Court of the United States · 1896

Plessy v. Ferguson

Vote: 7-1Civil Rights

Upheld racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine.

Last verified: June 2026

Key Facts

Year Decided: 1896
Vote: 7-1
Category: Civil Rights

Summary

Upheld racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine.

Legalized Jim Crow laws for nearly 60 years. Overturned by Brown v. Board of Education (1954).

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1857 · Vote 7-2

Ruled that African Americans were not citizens and had no standing to sue.

Brown v. Board of Education

1954 · Vote 9-0

Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.

Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States

1964 · Vote 9-0

Congress can use the Commerce Clause to prohibit racial discrimination in private businesses.

Regents of the University of California v. Bakke

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1978 · Vote 5-4

Race can be a factor in college admissions but racial quotas are unconstitutional.