Which landmark case upheld the 'separate but equal' doctrine?

• A. Marbury v. Madison.
• B. Plessy v. Ferguson.
• C. Miranda v. Arizona.
• D. New Jersey v. TLO.

Answer: (B)

This question tests understanding of how the Supreme Court treated racial segregation in public facilities. Plessy v. Ferguson established the “separate but equal” doctrine, ruling that racial segregation was constitutional so long as the separate facilities were equal in quality. This provided legal justification for Jim Crow laws and widespread segregation for decades, affecting schools, transportation, and other public services. The doctrine remained the law until Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled that separate facilities are inherently unequal and thus unconstitutional. In contrast, Marbury v. Madison concerns judicial review, Miranda v. Arizona protects rights of the accused, and New Jersey v. TLO addresses search and seizure in schools.