Our Constitution is color-blind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens. In respect of civil rights, all citizens are equal before the law. The humblest is the peer of the most powerful.
John Marshall HarlanRead
The Constitution is colorblind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The Constitution treats all citizens equally, irrespective of race or class distinctions.
John Marshall Harlan's quote emphasizes the principle of equality before the law as outlined in the Constitution. It asserts that the Constitution should not recognize or endorse any discrimination based on race or social class, advocating for uniformity in rights and protections for all citizens.
Themes
ConstitutionEqualityJusticeCitizensColorblind
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on civil rights during a community meeting.
More from John Marshall Harlan
All quotes βThe law regards man as man, and takes no account of his surroundings or of his color when his civil rights as guaranteed by the supreme law of the land are involved.
John Marshall HarlanRead
The humblest is the peer of the most powerful.
John Marshall HarlanRead
But in view of the constitution, in the eye of the law, there is in this country no superior, dominant, ruling class of citizens. There is no caste here.
John Marshall HarlanRead
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