Buchanan v. Warley (1900)
- Docket
- 33
- Decided
- 1900-1940-
Summary
Question: Did Louisville's ordinance violate the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment? Conclusion: Yes. In a unanimous decision, the Court reversed the Kentucky Court of Appeals and ruled that the ordinance was unconstitutional. In an opinion written by Justice William R. Day, the Court recognized Louisville's interest in exercising its police power and the "promotion of the public health, safety, and welfare." However, the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Fourteenth Amendment "[assured] to the colored race the enjoyment of all the civil rights…enjoyed by white persons." Louisville's interest did not justify the ordinance, which would "deny rights created or protected by the Federal Constitution." Therefore, the ordinance was unconstitutional.