Brown v. Board of Education


Book Description

2004 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Supreme Court's unanimous decision to end segregation in public schools. Many people were elated when Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren delivered Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka in May 1954, the ruling that struck down state-sponsored racial segregation in America's public schools. Thurgood Marshall, chief attorney for the black families that launched the litigation, exclaimed later, "I was so happy, I was numb." The novelist Ralph Ellison wrote, "another battle of the Civil War has been won. The rest is up to us and I'm very glad. What a wonderful world of possibilities are unfolded for the children!" Here, in a concise, moving narrative, Bancroft Prize-winning historian James T. Patterson takes readers through the dramatic case and its fifty-year aftermath. A wide range of characters animates the story, from the little-known African Americans who dared to challenge Jim Crow with lawsuits (at great personal cost); to Thurgood Marshall, who later became a Justice himself; to Earl Warren, who shepherded a fractured Court to a unanimous decision. Others include segregationist politicians like Governor Orval Faubus of Arkansas; Presidents Eisenhower, Johnson, and Nixon; and controversial Supreme Court justices such as William Rehnquist and Clarence Thomas. Most Americans still see Brown as a triumph--but was it? Patterson shrewdly explores the provocative questions that still swirl around the case. Could the Court--or President Eisenhower--have done more to ensure compliance with Brown? Did the decision touch off the modern civil rights movement? How useful are court-ordered busing and affirmative action against racial segregation? To what extent has racial mixing affected the academic achievement of black children? Where indeed do we go from here to realize the expectations of Marshall, Ellison, and others in 1954?







The Right to Privacy


Book Description

At the heart of 'The Right to Privacy' lies an exploration of the increasingly blurred line between the private and the public, a theme that resonates as much today as at its inception. This collection, curated with a keen eye for diversity in perspective and style, traverses the complex landscape of privacy rights in the modern world. The anthology stands out for its rigorous examination of the legal, ethical, and societal dimensions of privacy, weaving together landmark cases, pivotal essays, and critical analyses to offer a multifaceted view of privacy's evolving definition and its implications. The inclusion of foundational works such as the seminal essay by Louis Brandeis and Samuel D. Warren highlights the depth and historical significance of the discourse presented. The editors and contributors, hailing from a broad spectrum of backgrounds in law, ethics, and technology, collectively underscore the anthology's thematic coherence. Their disparate vantage points, rooted in different eras and engaging with varying aspects of privacy, illuminate the rich tapestry of legal thought and ethical considerations. This convergence of historical and contemporary views underlines the collection's alignment with significant cultural and legal shifts, reflecting society's ongoing struggle to balance personal privacy with public interest. 'The Right to Privacy' is indispensable for readers seeking to navigate the intricate and often contentious terrain of privacy rights. It promises an enlightening journey through the kaleidoscope of opinions and analyses, offering valuable insights and fostering a deeper understanding of what it means to protect personal boundaries in an increasingly open world. This anthology is a must-read for anyone invested in the pivotal debates surrounding privacy, beckoning with the allure of a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of one of the most pressing issues of our time.







White V. Fulcher


Book Description




The Dred Scott Case


Book Description

The Washington University Libraries presents an online exhibit of documents regarding the Dred Scott case. American slave Dred Scott (1795?-1858) and his wife Harriet filed suit for their freedom in the Saint Louis Circuit Court in 1846. The U.S. Supreme Court decided in 1857 that the Scotts must remain slaves.