jul 9, 1868 - 14th Amendment Adopted
Description:
The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was adopted on July 9, 1868, as one of the Reconstruction Amendments.
The amendment, particularly its first section, is one of the most litigated parts of the Constitution, forming the basis for landmark decisions such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954).
It provides a broad definition of citizenship, nullifying the Supreme Court's decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857), which had held that Americans descended from African slaves could not be citizens of the United States.
It also prohibits state and local government officials from depriving persons of life, liberty, or property without legislative authorization.
Added to timeline:
U.S. Civil Rights Movement
Date:
