In 1890, Louisiana passed a law called the 'Separate Car Act'. This law stated that in any type of transportation, the African Americans and the whites had to be separated, but in equal states of comfort. Sadly, that did not happen. Plessy was 1/8 black and 7/8 white, he looked as he was white, therefore he sat in the white section of the train. They caught his and took him under arrest. Many felt as he was completely innocent. He was arrested for violating the Separate Car Act. In court, he argued that the act violated the 13th and 14th Amendments that are in the Constitution.

After losing twice in the lower courts, he took it upon himself to take the case to the U.S Supreme Court. There, he defended himself by stating the 13th and 14th Amendements, as well as the Jim Crow laws. Unfortunately, by a 7-1 vote, the court decided that the event did not cause conflict with the Amendments, therefore, nobody served any time. The court had decided against Plessy.

The 13th Amendment States:

They will abolish slavery and involuntary servitude. Which means, the will not make people work or serve without volunteering.

The 14th Amendment States:

They will guarantee that the states cannot take away the privileges or immunities of citizens that are given to them by Constitution. The government cannot take those away.

Jim Crow Laws:

State that they will provide equal protection for the whites and the African Americans.

Supreme Court in 1893, Plessy vs Ferguson case