Court Cases Flashcards
(15 cards)
What precedent did McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) set?
It set a precedent for a broad interpretation of federal powers, strengthening the national government over the states.
What was significant about United States v. Lopez (1995)?
It marked the first time in decades that the Supreme Court limited Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause.
What was the issue in Engel v. Vitale (1962)?
The New York State Board of Regents authorized a voluntary, non-denominational prayer in public schools, which was challenged for violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
What was the ruling in Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)?
The Court ruled 7-0 in favor of Yoder, finding Wisconsin’s law unconstitutional as applied to the Amish.
What was the context of Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)?
Students wore black armbands to protest the Vietnam War and were suspended, leading to a lawsuit claiming a violation of First Amendment rights.
What did New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) involve?
The Nixon administration sought to prevent the publication of the Pentagon Papers by the New York Times and Washington Post, citing national security.
What was the charge in Schenck v. United States (1919)?
Schenck was charged under the Espionage Act for attempting to interfere with military operations, arguing it violated his First Amendment rights.
What was the significance of Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)?
Clarence Earl Gideon requested a court-appointed lawyer after being charged with a felony and could not afford one.
What did Roe v. Wade (1973) establish?
It held that a woman’s decision to have an abortion falls under the right to privacy protected by the Fourteenth Amendment.
What was the challenge in McDonald v. Chicago (2010)?
McDonald and others challenged Chicago’s handgun ban, arguing it violated their Second Amendment rights after the ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller.
What was the focus of Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?
It consolidated lawsuits against public school segregation, focusing on the experiences of African American students denied admission due to segregation laws.
What did Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) involve?
Citizens United created a documentary critical of Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign, raising issues of campaign finance.
What was the issue in Baker v. Carr (1962)?
Tennessee’s legislature had not reapportioned districts, leading to unequal voting weight between rural and urban districts.
What was the claim in Shaw v. Reno (1993)?
Plaintiffs argued that a district was drawn in an absurd shape for racial gerrymandering, violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
What was the context of Marbury v. Madison (1803)?
William Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court to compel James Madison to deliver commissions after being appointed by John Adams.
