 Using the strategy developed by Nathan Margold, Marshall argued that Maryland's segregation policy violated the "separate but equal" doctrine of "Plessy v. Ferguson" because the state did not provide a comparable educational opportunity at a state-run black institution.The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled against the state of Maryland and its Attorney General, who represented the University of Maryland, stating, "Compliance with the Constitution cannot be deferred at the will of the state.Whatever system is adopted for legal education must furnish equality of treatment now."