The significance of the 14th Amendment and its different interpretation is clearly seen in the trial Plessy v. Ferguson of 1896, which became a landmark event in American history. The incident that occurred in one of the railroad cars in Louisiana became evidence of racial segregation and equality issues. The arrest of Mr. Plessy who was one-eighth African-American for his attempt to travel in a car intended exclusively for the white population did not formally contradict the 14th Amendment. While the document allowed the preservation of the rights of a person born in the United States, the laws of individual states were to be taken into account. As a result, the case of Plessy v. Ferguson considered by the Supreme Court was not allowed in favor of the claimant since local legislation provided for isolation as one of the approved social principles. Accordingly, the violation of the 14th Amendment did not take place due to the provision of equal car quality conditions for the African-American population.
Nevertheless, the 14th Amendment was also involved in the high-profile court case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka when the law on racial segregation was found to be contradictory. Since a considerable period passed after the case of Plessy v. Ferguson, the problem of inequality was revised with the engagement of international organizations. Education as one of the social spheres was included in the list of areas where the harsh racial division was maintained. However, as a result of the proceedings, such a principle was found to violate the Constitution and, in particular, the 14th Amendment. As a result, significant progress was made due to the active actions of human rights defenders.
Works Cited
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. 347 U.S. 483. Supreme Court of the United States. 1954.
Plessy v. Ferguson. 163 U.S. 537. Supreme Court of the United States. 1896.