Which ruling established the 'separate but equal' doctrine?

Which ruling established the 'separate but equal' doctrine?

• A. It upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation laws for public facilities as long as the facilities were equal.
• B. It struck down segregation in public facilities.
• C. It declared that slavery should be illegal in new territories.
• D. It held that the federal government could regulate slavery in new territories.

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how the Supreme Court interpreted equal protection to allow segregation. In 1896, a ruling held that racial segregation in public facilities was constitutional as long as the separate facilities were equal in quality. This created the “separate but equal” standard, which provided legal cover for Jim Crow laws and the widespread segregation of trains, schools, restrooms, and other public spaces for many decades. The doctrine stood until it was overturned by a later decision that determined segregation in public schools was inherently unequal and unconstitutional. The other options describe outcomes that do not fit this doctrine.

The idea being tested is how the Supreme Court interpreted equal protection to allow segregation. In 1896, a ruling held that racial segregation in public facilities was constitutional as long as the separate facilities were equal in quality. This created the “separate but equal” standard, which provided legal cover for Jim Crow laws and the widespread segregation of trains, schools, restrooms, and other public spaces for many decades. The doctrine stood until it was overturned by a later decision that determined segregation in public schools was inherently unequal and unconstitutional. The other options describe outcomes that do not fit this doctrine.