What demonstrates the Supreme Court's power to overrule itself?

Study for the VirtualSC Honors Government Exam. Practice with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations.

The Supreme Court's ability to overrule itself is best exemplified by the case of Brown v. Board of Education. This landmark decision fundamentally altered the legal landscape of the United States concerning racial segregation in public schools. In this case, the Court rejected the "separate but equal" doctrine established by its earlier decision in Plessy v. Ferguson.

The ruling in Brown demonstrated the Supreme Court's capacity to change its interpretation of the Constitution to reflect evolving societal values and legal standards. The justices recognized that segregation in public education created a sense of inferiority among African American children, thereby violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This pivotal moment not only signifies an overturning of precedent but also marks a significant step toward civil rights and equality.

Other cases, while foundational in constitutional law, do not illustrate the same clear reversal of a prior decision in this context. Plessy v. Ferguson is the case that Brown directly overruled. Roe v. Wade, while also significant, has not been conclusively overruled but has faced various challenges and modifications. Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review but did not represent a situation where the Court overruled its own previous decisions. Thus, Brown v

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