Justice Harlan writes about his side, or the losing side, of the argument in hopes of convincing others in the board how poor their decision was. He wanted to show that not everyone on the board had the same thought process as the majority rule. His dissent could even spark another case to bring up the same information and reassess the given decision.
Writing it out not only helps him remember what he thought during the trial, but also shows others his thought process. People are more likely to believe you if you have the facts to back up your opinion, which Harlan has lots of.
Personally, I think that Judge Harlan makes a good argument, but that might just be me putting my own two sense into the court. He makes the argument that the majority was incorrect in their decision, because it is not upholding the personal liberties and/or the civil rights that are supposed to be given to everyone. He states that the constitution is "colorblind", but the legislature acts differently.
In 1896, if others heard his argument, many of them would call him crazy and say that he is incorrect, because they are scared of letting blacks and white mingle openly together. In 2020, people would come to Justice Harlan with open arms and thank him for standing against the majority and for fighting for what is right.
As society has progressed, we have learned the error of our ways. Society finally realized that everyone SHOULD be treated equally no matter of race, religion, gender, etc. Most of us share a common goal of wanting to be the best versions of ourselves and making a mark in the world, and it is hard to be great if you are letting little things get in the way.
Harlan's dissent sheds light that there was hope back then for African Americans, and that they were never alone. It shines a beacon on the fact that they would soon be closer to justice.
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