“Degraded Civilization”, 1882

The discrimination is not directed against the person of any particular color or race, but against the offense, the nature of which is determined by the opposition color of the cohabiting parties.
Its result may be the amalgamation of the two races, producing a mongrel population and a degraded civilization, the prevention of which is dictated by a sound public policy affecting the highest interests of society and government.

“Degraded Civilization” 1882

The Alabama Supreme Court issued this opinion, admitting that the conviction was harsher for couples of different races but finding that the state had an interest in deterring interracial relations because they could produce a “degraded civilization”—a reflection of racial beliefs of the time. (A copy of the Alabama Supreme Court opinion was included in the court transcript that was provided to the U.S. Supreme Court.)

National Archives, Records of the Supreme Court of the United States