Plessy V. Ferguson

This case revolves around the state law of Lusiana. This law forces railroad companies to provide separate accommodations for white travelers and African American travelers. On top of that, only white travelers are allowed to ride first class. On June 7th 1892 a mixed African American and white man named Plessy was traveling first class on the East Luisiana Railroad. He was forced to leave after he had already lawfully bought his ticket. He sued under the 14th amendment by saying that this violated his equal rights. Some points his lawyers made was that separating whites and blacks goes against what the scripture says. There should be no division between white and black. It was also stated that a nation in unity is a stronger nation and putting a divide between the nation shows a weak nation and a nation that is not one. In defense to the state they were saying that in 1890 there was a law created that shows division between race on the railroad. Also it was said along the lines of the 14th amendment that it was created about legal equality and this situation would be considered to be social equality. Down bellow is an attached photo of Homer Plessy presenting his case and defending himself.