Cooper v. Aaron (1958)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
After Brown v. Board of Education, Arkansas officials resisted desegregation at Little Rock Central High School. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that states are bound by Supreme Court decisions and cannot nullify or delay constitutional rights through state action.

3) Why It Mattered
This case established that Supreme Court rulings are the supreme law of the land, binding on all states and officials. It directly confronted efforts to resist desegregation.

4) What It Provided or Took Away

• Provided: Strong affirmation of judicial supremacy and enforcement of Brown.
• Took Away: States’ ability to evade desegregation orders through “massive resistance.”

5) Overreach or Proper Role?
The Court was asserting its constitutional authority under Article VI and reaffirming its role as final interpreter of the Constitution. It was necessary to maintain the rule of law.

6) Plain-English Impact Today
When the Supreme Court rules on constitutional rights, states must comply — they cannot pick and choose which rulings to follow.

• Equal Protection
• Segregation
• Judicial Supremacy
• Civil Rights