Bradwell v. Illinois
United States Supreme Court
83 U.S. (16 Wall.) 130 (1873)
Relevant factsFree
Myra Bradwell (plaintiff) applied to the Illinois Supreme Court for a law license, submitting proof of good character and qualifications as required, but her application was denied because she was a woman. She appealed directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing the denial violated the Privileges and Immunities Clause of the newly enacted Fourteenth Amendment.
IssueFree
Whether the Privileges and Immunities Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees a woman the right to hold the same occupations as a man, including practicing law.
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