Final answer:
The ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson established the 'separate but equal' precedent and upheld segregation laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson had a significant impact on the legalities of segregation. It set the precedent of 'separate but equal,' which allowed for racially segregated facilities as long as they were deemed to be equal in quality. This ruling validated and upheld the Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation across the United States.
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