The Supreme Court has been very important in shaping civil rights laws in the United States. This includes key laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Supporting the Laws

• The Court has often backed these laws, helping to promote fairness and equality. For instance, in the case of Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States (1964), the Supreme Court agreed that the Civil Rights Act's rule against racial discrimination in hotels and restaurants was okay according to the law.

Striking Down Parts of the Laws

• But the Supreme Court’s power isn’t unlimited. There have been times when it has taken away parts of civil rights laws. In Shelby County v. Holder (2013), the Court removed important sections of the Voting Rights Act. They said these parts were no longer needed because society had changed. This decision made it harder to protect the voting rights of minority groups.

Effects on the Civil Rights Movement

• The Supreme Court’s decisions have led to a lot of public discussion and have affected civil rights activism. Each ruling either encouraged new laws or led to protests. Because of this, the Court has become a key player in the ongoing fight for civil rights.

In summary, the Supreme Court has both supported and removed important civil rights laws. This has had a big impact on the progress and struggles of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.