Plessy Post Prompt

I think that Justice John Marshall Harlan wrote out his argument rather than keeping it to himself so he could justify why he chose the decision he made. Like everything, everyone has their own opinion, which is legal for them to have. However, since he is in a powerful position, it is not surprising that he wanted to make mends with both sides. He made a good argument. There are parts of his speech where he is in favor of Ferguson and in some parts it is like he is in favor of Plessy. I like this aspect. Very rarely someone is one hundred percent in favor of one thing, thats just reality. I think by him publishing this argument, it shows that he did spend time to think of the case and chose something he believed in. I think a part of Harlan wanted others to read his argument, think about it, and change their mind.

I think that people in 1896 and 2016 would both have mixed emotions. No matter what year we are in, people will have different emotions. There will always be people for slavery, and there has always been people against slavery. I think that people in 1896 would be shocked that either a justice would come out stating his decision against a court ruling or that someone would be against slavery. Obviously some people would be mad but then others would agree in more silence. I think that more people would be supportive for this argument in 2016 since it is proven that "separate but equal" is not constitutional. However, opinions would still be mixed since people are never always happy.

I do think that this shed light on the path of the law. If anything, this opened up people's mind to see the whole view of things. Speaking out against the law at this time was rare but is now very common. People definitely use this argument as a strong legal case today.