Legal Definitions - Jim Crow law

Definition: Jim Crow laws were laws that were created to discriminate against black people. These laws enforced racial segregation in public places such as schools, restaurants, and public transportation. For example, a law requiring separate restrooms for blacks and whites.

These laws were unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law for all citizens.

Examples:

• A law that required separate schools for black and white children.
• A law that prohibited black people from sitting in the front of a bus.
• A law that required black people to use separate drinking fountains.

These examples illustrate how Jim Crow laws were used to segregate black people from white people in public places. These laws were unjust and violated the basic human rights of black people.