- This case had been a landmark decision in regarding the issues of constitutionality regarding racial segregation in public areas. The case would go onto establish the "separate but equal" doctrine that would permeate throughout much of American society for half a century beyond.
- The case arose when the accused, known as Plessy, was jailed for sitting in a "white" car of the East Louisiana Railroad which violated the established Jim Crow Laws.
- The case was eventually brought up to the Supreme Court where it was ruled that the statutes did not violate the thirteenth amendment in anyway that they could identify. This case further helped to legitimize the movement towards segregation practices.