What were the major Supreme Court cases that influenced the Civil Rights Movement?

There were several major Supreme Court cases that had a significant impact on the Civil Rights Movement. These cases helped shape the legal framework for racial equality and played a crucial role in advancing the cause of civil rights. Some of the most influential Supreme Court cases during this period include:

1. Brown v. Board of Education (1954): This landmark case declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896). The Court's unanimous decision in Brown v. Board of Education marked a significant step towards desegregation and set a precedent for future civil rights cases.

2. Montgomery Bus Boycott - Browder v. Gayle (1956): Following the arrest of Rosa Parks for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, the Montgomery Bus Boycott was organized. The Supreme Court case Browder v. Gayle ultimately ruled that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional, leading to the desegregation of public transportation.

3. Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States (1964): In this case, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited racial discrimination in public accommodations. The decision affirmed the federal government's power to regulate private businesses that engaged in racial discrimination.

4. Loving v. Virginia (1967): This case struck down laws banning interracial marriage, declaring them unconstitutional. The Supreme Court's ruling in Loving v. Virginia established that marriage is a fundamental right and that racial restrictions on marriage violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

5. Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978): This case dealt with affirmative action in college admissions. The Supreme Court ruled that while racial quotas were unconstitutional, race could be considered as one factor among many in the admissions process to promote diversity.

These Supreme Court cases, among others, played a crucial role in dismantling legal segregation, challenging discriminatory practices, and advancing the cause of civil rights during the Civil Rights Movement.