In honor of Black History Month, we at Shipman Miranda Law wanted to discuss the Shelley VS. Kraemer case and its impact on real estate law today.
Shelley v. Kraemer is a landmark Supreme Court case that was decided in 1948. The case dealt with the issue of racial covenants, which were agreements between property owners that prohibited the sale or lease of their properties to African Americans or other people of color.
The case was brought by J.D. Shelley, an African American man who had purchased a home in St. Louis, Missouri. The previous owners of the property had signed a racial covenant agreement, which prohibited the sale of the property to African Americans. When Shelly moved into the neighborhood, his neighbors, the Kraemers, went to court to try and evict him from the property.
The Supreme Court heard the case and ruled in favor of Shelly, stating that racial covenants were unenforceable and violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. The Court declared that the covenants were not just contracts between private parties, but they also reflected the broader societal policy of racial discrimination, which was unconstitutional.
The decision in Shelley v. Kraemer had far-reaching implications for the fight against racial discrimination in housing. The ruling made it clear that the government could not enforce racial covenants, and it helped to lay the foundation for future efforts to end housing discrimination. The decision was also significant in that it demonstrated the Supreme Court's commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of race.
The Supreme Court case of Shelly v. Kraemer was a major turning point in the struggle for racial equality in the United States. The ruling sent a clear message that racial discrimination was unacceptable and that the government had a responsibility to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of race. The decision remains an important part of American history, serving as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.
If you are in need of a real estate attorney in Anderson, South Carolina, or across the Upstate, call Shipman Miranda Law today at 864.760.0221.
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