The 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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of equality and unity among all citizens regardless of status or race.
John Marshall Harlan's quote articulates the fundamental principle of equality before the law as enshrined in the Constitution. It advocates for a society where no citizen is regarded as superior or inferior, highlighting that civil rights must be honored equally for all, thus creating a community where every individual's rights are protected without discrimination.
Themes
EqualityLawCivil RightsJusticeCitizenship
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech advocating for civil rights, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for equality in legislation.
More from John Marshall Harlan
All quotes →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
The Constitution is colorblind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens.
John Marshall HarlanRead
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