What doctrine was established by Plessy v Ferguson?

The doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson is referred to as "separate but equal." This landmark Supreme Court decision in 1896 upheld state laws requiring racial segregation in public facilities as long as the separate facilities were considered equal in quality. The ruling legitimized the practice of racial segregation and provided a legal justification for discriminatory laws and practices, reinforcing the social order of racial segregation in the United States for decades to come.

The implications of this doctrine were profound, as it allowed for the continuation of systemic discrimination against African Americans and other minorities under the premise that their rights were not being violated if "separate" accommodations were provided. It wasn't until the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 that the "separate but equal" doctrine was challenged and ultimately overturned, establishing that separate facilities inherently lead to inequality.

Understanding the context of this doctrine is crucial for grasping the legal and social landscape surrounding civil rights issues in America.