Race Distinctions in American Law

by Gilbert Thomas Stephenson

"Race Distinctions in American Law" by Gilbert Thomas Stephenson is a scholarly examination written in the early 20th century. The work investigates the legal frameworks and distinctions that exist between races, especially in the context of how laws have been shaped by and continue to impact the African American community since emancipation. It seeks to understand the complexities of race relations through the lens of law, highlighting the consequences of statutory distinctions on citizens of different races. The opening of the text introduces the pervasive issue of race relations in America, pointing out the complex legal landscape following the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. Stephenson provides insight into the objective of his study, which is to explore how legal distinctions based on race have been formulated and maintained since 1865, thus shaping societal dynamics. He emphasizes the significance of examining laws to understand their implications for various racial groups, not just African Americans, underscoring that race distinctions, rather than mere discrimination, merit a thorough analysis in order to grasp the broader implications for civil rights and the concept of citizenship in the U.S.