Justice Deferred: Race and the Supreme Court

By Orville Vernon Burton *76 and Armand Derfner ’60

Published June 11, 2021

Burton and Derfner study the three-century history of the United States Supreme Court and its complicity in the nation’s history of racism. Analyzing nearly 200 cases, the authors conclude that the Court is responsible for the country’s fragile civil rights protections — but still holds the power to ensure equal rights for all.

Paw in print

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The cover of PAW’s February 2025 issue, featuring a photo of Frank Stella leaning back with his hands behind his head.