Plessy vs Ferguson

Judge Harlan’s dissent was really one of a kind. Harlan managed to almost completely flip my view on separate but equal. He was right when he said “But it is difficult to reconcile that boast with a state of the law which, practically, puts the brand of servitude and degradation upon a large class of our fellow citizens”. I agree with his statement that equal is a disguise that doesn’t mislead anyone. I thought it was cool how he talked about Dred Scott in his dissent.

Harlan makes an incredibly good argument. Even though he wasn’t supported by any of the other justices I believe he hoped to accomplish showing everyone else that separate but equal was not actually separate but equal. In 1896 I have a feeling most white people would have agreed with the other justices that agreed with separate but equal. Even though Harlan talks about how there is nothing about color in the constitution in 1896 I am sure many people did still not want to be around black people. However, if this happened in 2016 everything would be different. There would be no way anyone would agree with the other justices thinking otherwise is just outrageous. People would go insane there would be so many riots. In this day and age, the United States has many things in place to make sure everyone is treated equal. 

Harlan’s dissent showed that there was still a way to voice other people’s opinions than just the court. It helps show that in any case there can be two sides to the argument. Dissents help show the other parties side of view when it needs to be shown.

Is rap free speech?

A young man named Taylor Bell was suspended from school after making a rap accusing two male coaches were engaging in inappropriate sexual actions towards female students. Bell posted this song on Facebook and Youtube. These girls affirmed sworn affidavits allegating the two teachers after the rap was made. Bell made this song on winter break away from school grounds. School officials did not investigate or deny allegations against the coaches. School officials learned about the song suspended him and forced him to attend alternative school for the next six weeks according to CNN.

During this process of moving Bell the school did not notify the police about what was going on. This case went to the Supreme Court under the name Bell v. Itawamba County School Board. The school argued the song intimidated harassed and threatened school employees. However, Bell's locker was not searched and one of the coaches named in the song said it was "just a rap". This case has yet to be resolved.  

Heritage or Racism

In June of 2015 there was a court case that made it all the way to the supreme court. This case was about a group called the Sons of Confederate Veterans who decided that they wanted their license plate to be the Confederate battle flag. When the state of Texas declined their wish to do this they said their First Amendment Right was being infringed upon and the case made it to the Supreme Court.




According to CNN, SCV wanted to honor the soldiers who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War. When it comes to specialty license plates Texas has the power to choose whatever plates they deem fit. This plate was shot down by Texas Legislature because of the fact that it might be seen as offensive to some is a good enough reason to keep these plates off of the road. These plates were considered government speech not private speech which means the SCV has no say in what plates are made and which are not.