Final answer:
The case of Brown v. Board of Education showcases judicial activism with the Supreme Court's landmark decision to overturn the 'separate but equal' doctrine, ending segregation in public schools and furthering civil rights legislation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The case of Brown v. Board of Education is an example of judicial activism because the Supreme Court actively used its power to effect social change, particularly in the realm of Civil Rights. The precedent set by Plessy v. Ferguson, advocating 'separate but equal,' was overturned by the Court, showcasing its willingness to reinterpret the Constitution in ways that have a direct impact on society.
The Court's unanimous decision held that segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This decision not only desegregated schools but also catalyzed further Civil Rights advancements. By ruling against segregation, the court set a legal precedent that racial segregation was unconstitutional, thereby impacting the structure of American society and buttressing the Civil Rights Movement.
The Warren Court's actions in cases like Brown v. Board were seen as divisive at the time, illustrating the force of judicial review to establish policy when the legislature was inert. The Court's decision was groundbreaking in that it mandated the integration of public schools, which had a long-lasting impact on American society and how the legal system is used to advocate for social justice.