Brief Fact Summary. This case was decided in order to define the manner in which relief, as held in Brown I, is to be accorded.
Synopsis of Rule of Law. It is up to the courts to decide whether the action of the school authorities constitutes good faith implementation of the governing constitutional principles.
While giving weight to these public and private considerations, the courts will require that the defendants make a prompt and reasonable start toward full compliance with our May 17, 1954, ruling.
View Full Point of LawIssue. Whether the action of the school authorities constitutes good faith implementation of the governing constitutional principles.
Held. Yes. Case remanded to the lower courts to take such proceedings and enter such orders and decrees consistent with this opinion. School authorities have the primary responsibility of desegregating their schools. The courts will then determine whether the action of the school authorities constitutes good faith implementation of the governing constitutional principles. Because of their proximity to local conditions and the possible need for future hearings, the courts which originally heard the cases can best perform this judicial appraisal. The courts will require that the defendants make a prompt and reasonable start towards full compliance with Brown I. Once such a start has been made, the courts may find that additional time is necessary to carry out the ruling in an effective manner. The burden rests on the school authorities to establish that such time is necessary in the public interest and is consistent with good faith compliance at the earliest practicable date.
Discussion. This case acted as a judicial follow-up to Brown I, and further delegated and delineated the responsibilities of implementing Brown I.