CRM/LAW C10 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Indentured Servant, Fourteenth Amendment To The United States Constitution, Equal Protection Clause
12 May 2016
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
How the law changes: legal mechanisms- change in legislation, constitutional interpretation, case law, administrative law. Why it changes: how social, economic, and cultural factors affect the law. In the early years of our nation, racial discrimination was institutionalized and enforced by law. Later law forbid racial discrimination and protected civil rights. Declaration of independence- sets forth the founding principles of our country. All men are created equal --- no mention of race. Slavery and the constitution-- constitutional contradiction (liberty and equality but slavery) Slave sues for his master in federal court, seeking freedom. The judicial power shall extend to controversies between citizens of different states. Argument from opposing side, blacks are not citizens and not protected by the const. Prevented former slaves from voting or owning land. White dominated legislatures passed laws requiring racial segregation. Does this violate the 14th amendment requirement of equal protection of law? .
