Burton v. Wilmington Parking Authority

Definition

Burton v. Wilmington Parking Authority is a significant Supreme Court case from 1961 that addressed the application of the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause to state actions, specifically in relation to racial discrimination in public facilities. The case involved a racially discriminatory policy at a publicly owned parking garage in Delaware that denied service to Black customers while allowing White customers access. The decision emphasized that state actions that support or facilitate discrimination by private entities violate the Equal Protection Clause.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case was brought by a Black man, Burton, who was denied service at a parking facility operated by the Wilmington Parking Authority due to his race.
2. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Burton, stating that the Wilmington Parking Authority's actions constituted state action because it was a public entity facilitating racial discrimination.
3. This ruling established a precedent for how the Equal Protection Clause can be applied to state-supported facilities and actions that enable private discrimination.
4. The decision underscored the idea that public entities cannot turn a blind eye to racial discrimination occurring within facilities they own or operate.
5. Burton v. Wilmington Parking Authority played a crucial role in advancing civil rights by reinforcing the legal standard against state-supported racial discrimination.

Review Questions

• How did the ruling in Burton v. Wilmington Parking Authority expand the interpretation of the Equal Protection Clause?
  • The ruling in Burton v. Wilmington Parking Authority expanded the interpretation of the Equal Protection Clause by affirming that state actions can include not only direct government discrimination but also situations where public entities facilitate or support private discrimination. The Supreme Court recognized that the Wilmington Parking Authority's operation of a facility which enforced racial segregation directly violated the principles of equal protection, thus broadening the scope of accountability for state actions.
• What implications did Burton v. Wilmington Parking Authority have on future cases involving state action and racial discrimination?
  • Burton v. Wilmington Parking Authority set an important precedent for future cases involving state action and racial discrimination by establishing that public entities are responsible for ensuring that their facilities do not enable discriminatory practices. This case paved the way for further legal challenges against public institutions that support or allow racial discrimination, influencing subsequent civil rights legislation and court rulings aimed at promoting equality and preventing racial injustices.
• Evaluate how Burton v. Wilmington Parking Authority reflects broader social movements for civil rights during its time and how it influenced future legal standards.
  • Burton v. Wilmington Parking Authority reflects broader social movements for civil rights in the early 1960s, as it directly challenged systemic racism and called for equality in public accommodations. The case illustrated the growing recognition of the need for legal protections against racial discrimination, contributing to a shift in societal attitudes toward race relations and justice. Its outcome influenced future legal standards by reinforcing the expectation that public authorities must actively oppose discrimination, ultimately leading to stronger civil rights protections and further legislative advancements like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Related terms

14th Amendment: An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that grants citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, prohibiting states from denying any person within its jurisdiction equal protection of the laws.

State Action Doctrine: A legal principle stating that constitutional protections against discrimination apply only to government actions or conduct, not to private individuals or organizations.

Equal Protection Clause: A provision of the 14th Amendment that requires states to treat all individuals equally under the law, prohibiting arbitrary discrimination.