Shelley V. Kraemer Case Analysis

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Recommended: Discrimination since the 1933

After slavery was abolished, life for African Americans changed for the better, however, they continued to face discrimination and harassment. The South and many Northern states were segregated and it was difficult for African Americans to find appropriate housing for their families due to racial covenants in most neighborhoods. During the war, families were crammed into small apartments, which were not conducive to a healthy lifestyle for a growing family. When the war was over, there were few housing choices for minorities. Oftentimes, the “unwanted minority was forced into crowded slums,” according to Irons (p. 66) and the slums were no place to raise a family. During this time, J.D. and Ethel Lee Shelley saved money to purchase a home in a family friendly neighborhood.
On October 9, 1945, Louis and Fern Kraemer filed a lawsuit against J.D. and Ethel Lee …show more content…

It is not the job of the property owners to say who can and cannot buy property in their neighborhood or community as that is a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment. In conclusion, the case of J.D. Shelley v. Louis Kraemer was important to the general population as the Court deemed the race covenant was unenforceable due to violations of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution.
Furthermore, the Court stated anyone is entitled to purchase property no matter what their skin color is and discrimination against someone of color to purchase property is unacceptable. The Shelleys were grateful to have a safe to raise their family away from the crowded slums and the violence that often accompanies overcrowding and poverty. With the Court’s ruling against the Kraemers, they and others in the neighborhood had the choice to continue living where they owned their home or sell that home, and purchase a different home in a different

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