History and Landmark Court Decisions

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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Psychology

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Feb 20, 2024

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1 Nikie Bodenbender Southern New Hampshire University PSY- 200 Teaonna Watson January 14, 2024 History and Landmark Court Decisions

2 The case I will be discussing will be the Brown v. Board of Education. The Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) was influenced by changing societal norms and beliefs regarding racial segregation. This ruling meant a lot to society then and now. According to an academic journal by Derrick Bell he stated, “Brown will not be forgotten. It has triggered a revolution in civil rights law and in the political leverage available to blacks in and out of court” (1980, para.1.) The prevailing sentiment against racial discrimination, as evident in the civil rights movement, played a crucial role. Chief Justice Earl Warren highlighted the psychological impact of segregation on African American children, aligning the decision with evolving societal values of equality and justice. While the Brown v. Board of Education decision was a significant milestone, it alone did not bring about immediate societal change. The decision set a legal precedent by declaring state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional (Duignan, B. 2023). However, implementing desegregation proved to be a complex and prolonged process that required further legal battles, activism, and legislative actions to bring about substantial societal change. The decision did, however, serve as a catalyst for the broader civil rights movement (National Archives, 2021). It inspired activists and communities to challenge segregation and demand equal rights. Over time, subsequent court rulings, legislative actions like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and ongoing activism collectively contributed to dismantling institutionalized segregation and fostering more inclusive societal norms. The Brown decision acted as a pivotal moment, sparking a series of events that ultimately led to significant societal changes regarding racial equality in the United States.

3 The relationship between law and society is intricate. Laws are shaped by societal values, norms, and needs. They reflect the collective understanding of justice and morality (Supreme Court, n.d.). Conversely, laws can influence and mold societal behavior by setting standards and providing a framework for governance (Blitz & Nadler, 2014). In the context of the Constitution, societal views play a crucial role in its interpretation. The Constitution is a living document, and its meaning can evolve over time based on societal changes and perspectives (Strauss, 2010). Court decisions and legal interpretations often mirror the prevailing societal attitudes, and landmark cases can both reflect and contribute to shifts in public opinion. Overall, the interplay between law and society is dynamic, with each influencing and being influenced by the other in an ongoing, reciprocal relationship. In a legal case, a forensic psychologist doesn't inherently support one side over the other. Instead, their role is to provide expert analysis on psychological factors relevant to the case. For example, they might assess an individual's mental state, competency, or the impact of trauma. The forensic psychologist's loyalty lies with objectivity and the pursuit of truth rather than advocating for a particular party (Sadoff, 1988). Their findings and testimony aim to assist the court in understanding the psychological aspects of the case, contributing to a comprehensive and fair legal decision.

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4 Resources: Bell, Derrick A. (1980). Brown v. Board of Education and the Interest-Convergence Dilemma. Harvard Law Review, 93(3), 518–533 . https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.2307/1340546 Blitz & Nadler, (2014), Law, moral attitudes, and behavior change, The Oxford Handbook of Behavioral Economics and the Law. https://wwws.law.northwestern.edu/faculty/fulltime/nadler/bilz-nadler- lawmoralattitudespageproofs.pdf Duignan, B. (2023). Brown v. Board of Education. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Brown-v-Board-of-Education-of-Topeka National Archive, (2021.), Brown v. Board of Education (1954). https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/brown-v-board-of-education Sadoff, Robert. (1988). Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychiatry. Psychiatric annals. 18. 320-3. 10.3928/0048-5713-19880501-12. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11693339_Ethical_Issues_in_Forensic_Psychiatry Strauss, (2010), The living constitution. The University of Chicago. https://www.law.uchicago.edu/news/living-constitution Supreme Court, (n.d.) The court and constitutional interpretation. https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/constitutional.aspx

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