The Supreme Court made several important decisions in the late 1800s in regard to industry. What was the significance of these rulings, and how was the Court defining freedom?

Answer 1

The significant was protection of big business.

By the late 1800's the high court had shifted it's ideology to the more pro big buisness mentality. This is alos known as laissez-fair economic aproach. (Hands off)

While ruling on the 13-15th amendments they began to shift to how the court was used to challenge the constitutionality of the Laws passed by the other branches.

They also created the seperate but equal doctrine that plauged the US into the civil rights era with the ruling in Plessy v. Derguson(1896)

While some rulings expanded freedom, others perpetuated inequality. The Court’s role as a co-equal branch of government remains central to American democracy, even as it continues to grapple with complex legal and societal issues.