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Using a narrated power point Use the speaker notes to elaborate on the content on the slides.
The presentation Point presentation will need to include:
Name the case: PLESSY v. FERGUSON , 163 U.S. 537 (1896)
Discuss the facts of the case.
Discuss the history of the case (what laws or legal action was taken)
Discuss the issues or the facts of the case and legal questions the court must decide.
Discuss if the court's decision or holdings was for the plaintiff or for the defendant and what were the reasons for the decision?
Discuss the concurring and dissenting opinions from the judge or if a jury trial, the jury.
Important: In this assignment, you are expected to elaborate on the points you made on part I of How the courts address or respect our rights as citizens.

Slide 3: Facts of the Case

In 1892, Homer Plessy, a mixed-race man, boarded a "whites-only" train car in Louisiana.
He was arrested and charged with violating the state's Separate Car Act, which mandated segregation on public transportation.

Slide 4: History of the Case

Plessy challenged the Separate Car Act in court, arguing that it violated the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause.
The case reached the Supreme Court in 1896, generating significant public interest and debate.

Slide 5: Issues and Legal Questions

The central legal question was: Does the Separate Car Act, requiring segregation on public transportation, violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment?

Slide 6: Court's Decision and Reasoning

In a 7-1 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Louisiana, upholding the Separate Car Act.
The majority opinion, authored by Justice Henry Billings Brown, argued that the 14th Amendment did not protect against social and economic discrimination, only legal discrimination.
The Court introduced the infamous "separate but equal" doctrine, claiming that segregation could be constitutional as long as separate facilities were equal.

Slide 7: Concurring and Dissenting Opinions

Justice John Marshall Harlan issued a powerful dissenting opinion, vehemently opposing the majority's decision.
He argued that the "separate but equal" doctrine was inherently flawed and legitimized racial discrimination.
Harlan's dissent predicted the devastating consequences of the Plessy decision, including its impact on future generations.

Slide 8: Impact of the Case

The Plessy v. Ferguson decision had a profound and long-lasting impact on American society.
It legitimized racial segregation and provided legal cover for discriminatory practices throughout the South.
The "separate but equal" doctrine remained the law of the land for nearly 60 years, perpetuating racial inequality and injustice.

Slide 9: Overcoming the Legacy of Plessy

The Plessy v. Ferguson decision stands as a stark reminder of the potential for the legal system to perpetuate injustice.
The landmark Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954 finally overturned Plessy, declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
The fight for racial equality continues, but the Civil Rights Movement and subsequent legislation have made significant strides in dismantling the harmful legacy of Plessy.

Slide 10: Conclusion

The Plessy v. Ferguson case serves as a critical historical and legal lesson.
It reveals the dangers of racial prejudice and discrimination and the importance of fighting for justice and equality under the law.
While the "separate but equal" doctrine is no longer legal precedent, the fight for racial justice and equality continues to this day.

Speaker Notes:

Emphasize the historical context of the case and its connection to the development of Jim Crow laws.
Explain the legal arguments presented by both sides and the reasoning behind the Court's decision.
Highlight the significance of Justice Harlan's dissenting opinion and its forward-thinking perspective.
Discuss the lasting impact of the Plessy v. Ferguson decision on American society and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
Encourage reflection and discussion about the importance of vigilance in protecting equal rights for all.

Additional Resources:

Note: This presentation outline provides a starting point for further research and elaboration. You can add additional slides and information to enhance your presentation, including multimedia elements such as visuals and audio clips.

Slide 1: Title Slide

Slide 2: Introduction

Briefly introduce the 14th Amendment and its promise of equal protection under the law.
Highlight the context of racial segregation and discrimination in post-Reconstruction America.