14. Which of the following cases established the principle of 'separate but equal' that was later overturned?
Answer: B
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) established the principle of 'separate but equal' that was later overturned.
The landmark case Plessy v. Ferguson established the legal doctrine of 'separate but equal,' which upheld racial segregation laws for public facilities as long as the segregated facilities were considered equal in quality.
A) Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Marbury v. Madison is primarily known for establishing the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to invalidate laws that are unconstitutional. This case did not address issues of segregation or equality, making it irrelevant to the principle of 'separate but equal.'
B) Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
Plessy v. Ferguson directly established the 'separate but equal' doctrine, ruling that racial segregation in public facilities was constitutional as long as the facilities for each race were equal. This case laid the groundwork for legalized racial segregation that persisted until it was challenged and overturned by later rulings, particularly Brown v. Board of Education.
C) Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Brown v. Board of Education is significant for overturning the 'separate but equal' doctrine established by Plessy. This case ruled that segregation in public schools was inherently unequal and unconstitutional, effectively dismantling the legal foundation for segregated facilities that Plessy had supported.
D) Roe v. Wade (1973)
Roe v. Wade is a case that addressed the issue of abortion rights and a woman's right to choose, having no relation to racial segregation or the principle of 'separate but equal.' Therefore, it does not pertain to the question at hand.
E) Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
Gideon v. Wainwright involved the right to counsel and the Sixth Amendment, ensuring that defendants have access to legal representation. This case is unrelated to segregation or the 'separate but equal' doctrine, making it irrelevant to the context of the question.
Conclusion
Plessy v. Ferguson clearly established the 'separate but equal' doctrine, which was a significant legal precedent for racial segregation in the United States. Other options either addressed different legal issues or later cases that overturned this principle, reinforcing that Plessy v. Ferguson is the definitive answer regarding the establishment of that principle.