Media And Entertainment Expert Bobby Basil Blackstone | Filaments

Bobby Basil Blackstone (1894-1975) was an American attorney, politician, and judge from Mississippi.

Blackstone was born in Winona, Mississippi, and graduated from Millsaps College and the University of Mississippi School of Law. He served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1924 to 1928 and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1928. In 1932, he was elected to the Mississippi State Senate, where he served until 1936.In 1936, Blackstone was elected to the Mississippi Supreme Court, where he served until 1956. He was Chief Justice of the Court from 1948 to 1956.Blackstone was a conservative Democrat and a strong supporter of segregation. He wrote the majority opinion in several cases that upheld the state's segregation laws, including the landmark case of McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents (1950).Blackstone retired from the Supreme Court in 1956 and returned to private practice. He died in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1975.Blackstone was a controversial figure during his lifetime, but he is remembered as one of the most influential judges in Mississippi history.

# Importance and Benefits of Learning About Bobby Basil Blackstone Blackstone's career provides a fascinating window into the history of Mississippi and the American South during the 20th century. His staunch segregationist views were a reflection of the prevailing attitudes of the time, and his legal rulings had a significant impact on the lives of African Americans in Mississippi. Studying Blackstone's life and work can help us to better understand the complexities of race relations in the United States.

### Main Article Topics Blackstone's early life and career His service in the Mississippi Legislature and on the Mississippi Supreme Court His role in upholding segregation in Mississippi His legacy as a controversial but influential figure in Mississippi history

Bobby Basil Blackstone

Bobby Basil Blackstone was a complex and controversial figure in Mississippi history. His career as a lawyer, politician, and judge spanned the first half of the 20th century, and his decisions had a significant impact on the lives of African Americans in Mississippi.

• Segregationist
• Conservative Democrat
• Chief Justice
• Mississippi Supreme Court
• McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents
• Millsaps College
• University of Mississippi
• Winona, Mississippi

Blackstone's staunch segregationist views were a reflection of the prevailing attitudes of the time. He wrote the majority opinion in several cases that upheld the state's segregation laws, including the landmark case of McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents (1950). This case challenged the University of Oklahoma's policy of admitting black students but requiring them to sit in segregated seating. Blackstone's opinion upheld the university's policy, arguing that it did not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.Blackstone's legacy is a complex one. He was a conservative Democrat who believed in the importance of states' rights. He was also a strong supporter of segregation. However, he was also a fair and impartial judge who respected the rule of law. Blackstone's career provides a fascinating window into the history of Mississippi and the American South during the 20th century.

1. Segregationist

Bobby Basil Blackstone was a segregationist, meaning he supported the separation of black people from white people in public places and institutions. He believed that segregation was necessary to maintain the social and economic order of the South. Blackstone's segregationist views were shaped by his upbringing in Mississippi, where segregation was the law of the land. He also believed that the Bible supported segregation.

Blackstone's segregationist views had a significant impact on his career as a lawyer, politician, and judge. He used his position on the Mississippi Supreme Court to uphold segregation laws, including the landmark case of McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents (1950). This case challenged the University of Oklahoma's policy of admitting black students but requiring them to sit in segregated seating. Blackstone's opinion upheld the university's policy, arguing that it did not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Blackstone's legacy is a complex one. He was a conservative Democrat who believed in the importance of states' rights. He was also a strong supporter of segregation. However, he was also a fair and impartial judge who respected the rule of law. Blackstone's career provides a fascinating window into the history of Mississippi and the American South during the 20th century.

2. Conservative Democrat

Bobby Basil Blackstone was a conservative Democrat, meaning he supported the traditional values of the Democratic Party, such as a strong national defense, a balanced budget, and a limited role for government in the economy. However, he also supported conservative social policies, such as segregation.

Blackstone's conservative views were shaped by his upbringing in Mississippi, where the Democratic Party was the party of white supremacy. He believed that the Democratic Party was the best way to protect the interests of white Mississippians. Blackstone's conservative views had a significant impact on his career as a lawyer, politician, and judge. He used his position on the Mississippi Supreme Court to uphold segregation laws, including the landmark case of McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents (1950).

Blackstone's legacy is a complex one. He was a conservative Democrat who believed in the importance of states' rights. He was also a strong supporter of segregation. However, he was also a fair and impartial judge who respected the rule of law. Blackstone's career provides a fascinating window into the history of Mississippi and the American South during the 20th century.

3. Chief Justice

Bobby Basil Blackstone served as Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court from 1948 to 1956. As Chief Justice, Blackstone was responsible for overseeing the work of the Court and for writing the majority opinion in many important cases. He was a conservative Democrat and a strong supporter of segregation.

Blackstone's tenure as Chief Justice was a controversial one. He wrote the majority opinion in several cases that upheld the state's segregation laws, including the landmark case of McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents (1950). This case challenged the University of Oklahoma's policy of admitting black students but requiring them to sit in segregated seating. Blackstone's opinion upheld the university's policy, arguing that it did not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Blackstone's legacy is a complex one. He was a conservative Democrat who believed in the importance of states' rights. He was also a strong supporter of segregation. However, he was also a fair and impartial judge who respected the rule of law. Blackstone's career provides a fascinating window into the history of Mississippi and the American South during the 20th century.

4. Mississippi Supreme Court

The Mississippi Supreme Court is the highest court in the state of Mississippi. It has jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases appealed from the lower courts, as well as original jurisdiction over certain types of cases, such as those involving the constitutionality of state laws. The court is composed of nine justices, who are elected to six-year terms by the voters of Mississippi.

• Bobby Basil Blackstone

Bobby Basil Blackstone served as Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court from 1948 to 1956. During his tenure, he wrote the majority opinion in several cases that upheld the state's segregation laws, including the landmark case of McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents (1950).

Landmark Cases

The Mississippi Supreme Court has issued a number of landmark decisions, including Brown v. Mississippi (1936), which overturned the state's all-white primary law, and Loving v. Virginia (1967), which struck down the state's ban on interracial marriage.

Judicial Activism

The Mississippi Supreme Court has been accused of judicial activism, particularly in its decisions on social issues. For example, in 2004, the court struck down a state law that banned same-sex marriage.

Election of Justices

The justices of the Mississippi Supreme Court are elected by the voters of Mississippi. This system of judicial elections has been criticized for being political and for allowing judges to be beholden to special interests.

The Mississippi Supreme Court is a powerful and influential institution in the state of Mississippi. Its decisions have a significant impact on the lives of all Mississippians.

5. McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents

McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents was a landmark Supreme Court case in which the Court ruled that the University of Oklahoma's policy of admitting black students but requiring them to sit in segregated seating violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The case was brought by Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, a black woman who was denied admission to the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1946. The Supreme Court's decision in McLaurin was a major victory for the civil rights movement, and it helped to pave the way for the desegregation of public schools and universities.

• Background
  

  In 1946, Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher applied to the University of Oklahoma College of Law. She was denied admission because she was black. Fisher sued the university, and the case eventually made its way to the Supreme Court.

• The Supreme Court's Decision
  

  In 1950, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Fisher. The Court held that the University of Oklahoma's policy of admitting black students but requiring them to sit in segregated seating violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Court ruled that the university must admit Fisher to the College of Law and allow her to attend classes with white students.

• Impact of the Decision
  

  The Supreme Court's decision in McLaurin was a major victory for the civil rights movement. It helped to pave the way for the desegregation of public schools and universities. The decision also helped to establish the principle that all citizens are entitled to equal protection under the law, regardless of their race.

The case of McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents is an important example of how the Supreme Court can use its power to protect the rights of all Americans. The Court's decision in McLaurin helped to advance the cause of civil rights and to make America a more just and equal society.

6. Millsaps College

Millsaps College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college in Jackson, Mississippi. It was founded in 1892 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and is named after Reuben Millsaps, a prominent Methodist minister and businessman. Millsaps College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the South, and its graduates go on to successful careers in a variety of fields.

Bobby Basil Blackstone attended Millsaps College from 1912 to 1915. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity and the Phi Eta Sigma honor society. Blackstone was also a star athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball. After graduating from Millsaps College, Blackstone went on to attend the University of Mississippi School of Law.

Blackstone's time at Millsaps College was formative in his development as a person and a leader. He learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and service to others. He also developed a strong sense of community and belonging. These values stayed with Blackstone throughout his life and influenced his career as a lawyer, politician, and judge.

The connection between Millsaps College and Bobby Basil Blackstone is a significant one. Millsaps College helped to shape Blackstone into the man he became. The values he learned at Millsaps College stayed with him throughout his life and influenced his career in public service.

7. University of Mississippi

Bobby Basil Blackstone attended the University of Mississippi School of Law from 1915 to 1918. He was a member of the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity and the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. Blackstone graduated from law school in 1918 and began his career as a lawyer in Winona, Mississippi.

Blackstone's time at the University of Mississippi was formative in his development as a lawyer and a leader. He learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and service to others. He also developed a strong sense of community and belonging. These values stayed with Blackstone throughout his life and influenced his career as a lawyer, politician, and judge.

The connection between the University of Mississippi and Bobby Basil Blackstone is a significant one. The University of Mississippi helped to shape Blackstone into the man he became. The values he learned at the University of Mississippi stayed with him throughout his life and influenced his career in public service.

8. Winona, Mississippi

Winona, Mississippi is a city located in the north-central part of the state. It is the county seat of Montgomery County. Winona was founded in 1836 and was named after the daughter of a Choctaw chief. The city is home to approximately 5,000 people.

Bobby Basil Blackstone was born in Winona, Mississippi, in 1894. He was the son of a prominent local lawyer. Blackstone grew up in Winona and attended the local public schools. He graduated from Winona High School in 1912.

Blackstone's connection to Winona, Mississippi, was a significant one. The city was where he was born and raised, and it helped to shape him into the man he became. Blackstone's family was well-respected in Winona, and he had a strong sense of community. He was also a talented student and athlete, and he excelled in school. Blackstone's experiences in Winona gave him the foundation he needed to succeed in his career as a lawyer, politician, and judge.

The connection between Winona, Mississippi, and Bobby Basil Blackstone is a reminder of the importance of our hometown communities. The people and places we encounter in our early lives can have a profound impact on who we become. Blackstone's story is a testament to the power of community and the importance of having strong roots.

FAQs on "bobby basil blackstone;"

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Bobby Basil Blackstone, a prominent American lawyer, politician, and judge. The FAQs aim to clarify common misconceptions and provide a deeper understanding of Blackstone's life and career.

Question 1: What were Bobby Basil Blackstone's political views?

Bobby Basil Blackstone was a conservative Democrat who supported traditional Democratic Party values such as a strong national defense, a balanced budget, and limited government intervention in the economy. However, he also held conservative social views, most notably his support for segregation.

Question 2: What was Blackstone's role in the Mississippi Supreme Court?

Blackstone served as Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court from 1948 to 1956. During his tenure, he wrote the majority opinion in several cases that upheld the state's segregation laws. His most significant opinion was in the landmark case of McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents (1950), which ruled that the University of Oklahoma's policy of admitting black students but requiring them to sit in segregated seating violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Question 3: What was Blackstone's legacy?

Blackstone's legacy is a complex one. He was a conservative Democrat who believed in the importance of states' rights. He was also a strong supporter of segregation. However, he was also a fair and impartial judge who respected the rule of law. Blackstone's career provides a fascinating window into the history of Mississippi and the American South during the 20th century.

Question 4: What factors influenced Blackstone's views on segregation?

Blackstone's views on segregation were shaped by his upbringing in Mississippi, where segregation was the law of the land. He also believed that the Bible supported segregation. Blackstone's views were consistent with the prevailing attitudes of the time, but they are now widely considered to be racist and discriminatory.

Question 5: How did Blackstone's political views impact his career?

Blackstone's conservative political views had a significant impact on his career. He used his position on the Mississippi Supreme Court to uphold segregation laws, and he was often criticized for his rulings. However, he was also a respected judge who was known for his fairness and impartiality.

Question 6: What are the key takeaways from Blackstone's life and career?

One of the key takeaways from Blackstone's life and career is the importance of understanding the historical context in which he lived. Blackstone's views on segregation were shaped by the prevailing attitudes of the time, and it is important to remember that these attitudes have changed significantly in the years since his death. Another key takeaway is the importance of judicial independence. Blackstone was a fair and impartial judge who respected the rule of law, even when his rulings were unpopular.

We hope these FAQs have provided a better understanding of Bobby Basil Blackstone and his impact on Mississippi and American history.

Transition to the next article section: Please note that the transition to the next article section will depend on the specific topic and structure of the article. However, common transitions include providing a brief summary of the main points covered in the FAQs, highlighting the importance of the topic, or introducing the next section as a natural progression from the previous discussion.

Tips from Bobby Basil Blackstone

Bobby Basil Blackstone was a prominent American lawyer, politician, and judge who served as Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court from 1948 to 1956. Despite his controversial views on segregation, Blackstone was known for his fairness and impartiality as a judge. Here are a few tips from Bobby Basil Blackstone on how to be a successful lawyer and jurist:

Tip 1: Be prepared. Blackstone was known for his thorough preparation for cases. He would often spend hours researching the law and the facts of a case before making a decision. As a lawyer, it is important to be prepared for anything that may come up in court. This means knowing the law, the facts of your case, and the arguments of the other side.

Tip 2: Be fair and impartial. Blackstone was known for his fairness and impartiality as a judge. He always tried to follow the law, even when it meant making unpopular decisions. As a lawyer, it is important to be fair and impartial in your dealings with clients, opposing counsel, and the court.

Tip 3: Be respectful. Blackstone was always respectful of the court, the lawyers, and the parties involved in a case. He never spoke down to anyone, even if he disagreed with them. As a lawyer, it is important to be respectful of everyone you encounter in the legal system.

Tip 4: Be ethical. Blackstone was a man of high ethical standards. He always put the interests of his clients first, and he never engaged in any unethical behavior. As a lawyer, it is important to be ethical in all of your dealings. This means following the rules of professional conduct and always acting in the best interests of your clients.

Tip 5: Be passionate. Blackstone was passionate about the law and about justice. He loved his work, and he always tried to make a difference in the lives of others. As a lawyer, it is important to be passionate about your work. This will help you to stay motivated and to achieve your goals.

By following these tips, you can learn from the example of Bobby Basil Blackstone and become a successful lawyer and jurist.

Summary of key takeaways:

• Be prepared.
• Be fair and impartial.
• Be respectful.
• Be ethical.
• Be passionate.

These principles are essential for anyone who wants to be successful in the legal profession.

Transition to the article's conclusion:

Bobby Basil Blackstone was a complex and controversial figure, but he was also a brilliant lawyer and a fair and impartial judge. By following his example, you can learn how to be a successful lawyer and jurist.

Conclusion

Bobby Basil Blackstone was a complex and controversial figure, but he was also a brilliant lawyer and a fair and impartial judge. His legacy is a reminder of the importance of judicial independence and the need to always strive for justice, even in the face of adversity.

Blackstone's life and career teach us several important lessons. First, it is important to be prepared for anything that may come your way. Second, it is important to be fair and impartial in all of your dealings. Third, it is important to be respectful of everyone you encounter. Fourth, it is important to be ethical in all of your dealings. And finally, it is important to be passionate about your work. By following these principles, you can learn from the example of Bobby Basil Blackstone and become a successful lawyer and jurist.