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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes equality before the law, rejecting the notion of a ruling class or caste system in society.
John Marshall Harlan's quote asserts the fundamental principle of legal equality in a democratic society. He argues that under the constitution and the law, no group of citizens holds superiority over others, highlighting the idea that every individual is entitled to equal rights and protections regardless of their background or status. This message champions the concept of a classless society where the law applies uniformly to all, reinforcing the importance of justice and equality in governance.
Themes
EqualityLawJusticeCitizenshipDemocracy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech advocating for civil rights.
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
The Constitution is colorblind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens.
John Marshall HarlanRead
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