African American Courts And Judicial System During The 1800s-1900s

What is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the word “justice” or “trial?” Probably something to do with equality and a fair right to that justice during a court case. However, as far back as the 16th century, trials were far from fair, especially for Southern African Americans. Due to opinions and corrupted perceptions, trials for African Americans were always in favor of the white “victim.” In short, court trials, even to this day, fall short of the equal and just trials that we claim they uphold. A great majority of people, especially during the 1800s - 1900s, considered the court and judicial system a higher power that always knew what to do. Since they decide whether or not someone is guilty or innocent of crimes, they
In reality, the courts and judicial system are actually as easily corruptible and manipulatable as the average Joe. Sometimes, common beliefs established by the people will influence court trials, especially for African Americans during Reconstruction, since segregation was quite common, specifically in the South. (Meares). Due to this, court trials during those times were heavily weighted in the white man’s favor due to the mistreatment of African Americans, making a win for a southern black man almost impossible, no matter what happened or what evidence he brought. Not only that, but court juries rely heavily on observations of many depths, but avoid what is right in front of them (Meares). In a sense, it means that they decide their verdict by simply hearing what is said at the trial, and then make a
For example, in 1940, after a colored individual was treated horribly by a Southern Court, despite it being said that they “protect the helpless, weak, outnumbered” and even those affected by the prejudice of others (Klarman). Due to the action that follows that bold statement, the court essentially contradicted itself and gave away the fact that they are deviating from the role they say to perform. As a matter of fact, their very legitimacy teters on connections to fellowmen, rather than the very actions they are taking in the court of law (Meares). In other words, this ruins their legitimacy in probably one of the most important times in law - the point where justice is meant to be served for the people. And lastly, the judicial system further ruins their own trustworthiness by their reliance on more legal technicalities rather than the true justice they claim to uphold (Klarman). In turn, this makes the courts look weak when people realize that they rely on information that is only close to the truth, rather than entirely accurate. To conclude, with all trust and hope put into the judicial system, they would rather attempt to cover up the truth in lies and technicality, rather than be truthful in the court, which in turn ruins their