Boynton v. Virginia

Summary

The Court held that the Interstate Commerce Act prohibited racial discrimination against an interstate bus passenger by a terminal restaurant that functioned as an integral part of the carrier's transportation service. Because the passenger therefore had federal authority to remain in the restaurant's white section, his trespass conviction was invalid, and the judgment was reversed and remanded. The Court declined to reach the constitutional claims. Justice Whittaker, joined by Justice Clark, dissented, arguing that the statutory issue was not properly presented and that the record did not establish the restaurant's required relationship with a carrier.