Equality: the state or quality of being equal, a term often used but rarely fulfilled. Around the world and through the centuries, many have fought and died in the continuous struggle for their rights as human beings. America, "the land of opportunity," has been no exception to the countless countries in which citizens had to fight for their dream of equality. Throughout the trials and tribulations on America’s path to equality, the U.S. Supreme Court has both helped and hindered many people, but perhaps African Americans have been one group most strongly affected by the judicial branch.
The U.S. Supreme Court, like the "living Constitution" has changed with the times. Both reflect the majority opinions in the country. Each new panel of Supreme Court justices has proven how the court can either support the movement towards equality or end any hopes. Exemplified in the following landmark cases: Dred Scott v. Stanford (1857), considered the worst decision in Supreme Court history, which ruled "free blacks…could never be considered citizens of the United States or be protected by the United States Constitution"; followed by another terrible blow for equalityPlessy v. Ferguson (1896), protecting the "separate but equal" doctrine, after African-Americans were finally considered citizens.
