It is the Time for Loving

“Virginia is for lovers.” The first time I saw this license plate frame, I thought it was kind of scandalous. I didn’t know at that time that it was based on the case of Loving v. Virginia (1967) 388 U.S.1¸ famous for striking down the laws that banned interracial marriage. In a unanimous vote, the United States Supreme Court held such laws violated the equal protection and due process clauses of the 14th amendment of the United States Constitution.
The couple had traveled to Washington, D.C. to be married; however, this did not protect them from Virginia’s laws. Since Mr. and Mrs. Loving returned to Virginia to live, they were arrested and sentenced to one year in prison. Their sentence was stayed if they agreed not to return to Virginia for 25 years. They appealed their conviction, and the case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Earl Warren, writing for the Court, stated:
“Marriage is one of the ‘basic civil rights of man,’ fundamental to our very existence and survival (citing Skinner v. State of Oklahoma, 316 U.S. 535, 541 and others.)…The Fourteenth Amendment requires that the freedom of choice to marry not be restricted by invidious racial discriminations.”
At Owen, Patterson & Owen, we fight for our clients’ rights. We work hard to ensure that our clients are treated fairly when involved in an accident. We also make sure that each and every client is not denied the “basic civil rights of man,” as stated by Justice Warren, or the basic civil rights of women, children, and the elderly, in society. There is nothing scandalous in that. It is an absolute requirement of modern society. Over the past 43 years, OPO has fought for equality, for fairness, and for justice for its clients, earning over $1 Billion in verdicts and settlements.
The election is over. Mass vaccinations for Covid -19 are in sight. Let’s work together for a more loving community, state, and country. If you need us, we are here for you. Call OPO at 661-799-3899 or email us at info@owenpatterson.com.