Landmark Supreme Court Cases Flashcards
(26 cards)
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
This case established the principle of judicial review, which grants the Supreme Court the authority to review and invalidate laws or actions that are found to be unconstitutional.
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the establishment of a national bank and affirmed the principle of implied powers. The decision clarified that Congress has the authority to take actions not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, as long as they are necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers.
Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
stating that they were not considered citizens and had no rights under the Constitution. The ruling also declared that Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories.
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
The Supreme Court’s decision in Plessy v. Ferguson established the
“separate but equal” doctrine, which allowed racial segregation and was eventually overturned by Brown v. Board of Education.
Schneck v. U.S. (1919)
Court ruled that free speech could be limited when it presents “clear and present danger” to the government or society.
The decision set a precedent for evaluating limitations on speech during times of war or national security concerns.
Korematsu v. United States (1944)
This case upheld the constitutionality of the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans during World War Il.
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Supreme Court overturned Plessy v.
Ferguson and declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. (Still allowed it private)
Mapp v. Ohio (1961)
This case established the exclusionary rule, which prohibits the use of evidence obtained illegally in criminal trials.
Baker v. Carr (1962)
Court ruled that federal courts could intervene in cases involving alleged gerrymandering, ensuring more equal representation in state legislative districts. “One person one vote.”
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
The Supreme Court held that prayer sponsored by the government in public schools violated the First Amendment’s establishment clause, which prohibits the government from endorsing or promoting religion.
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
Court established that the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel for criminal defendants in state courts. This decision ensured that individuals who cannot afford an attorney would be provided with one.
Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
The Court ruled that individuals in police custody must be informed of their rights before being interrogated, leading to the creation of the Miranda warning. Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
The Court held that students’ right to free speech could not be restricted unless it significantly disrupted the school’s operations.
New York Times v. United States (1971)
The Court ruled in favor of the New York Times and the Washington Post, asserting the right of newspapers to publish classified information (Pentagon Papers) without prior restraint from the government. Freedom of press.
Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)
The Court held that the state’s interest in compulsory education did not outweigh the Amish parents’ First Amendment right to freedom of religion. This decision allowed the Amish to remove their children from public schools after eighth grade.
Roe v. Wade (1973)
This landmark case recognized a woman’s constitutional right to have an abortion under the right to privacy implied in the Fourteenth Amendment. The decision established a woman’s right to choose abortion during the first trimester.
United States v. Nixon (1974)
The Court unanimously ruled against President Nixon, holding that executive privilege did not allow him to withhold evidence during the Watergate investigation. This decision reaffirmed the principle of checks and balances and rule of law.
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978)
The Court ruled that affirmative action programs in college admissions were constitutional but could not use racial quotas. The decision allowed considering race as one factor among others to achieve diversity.
Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988)
The Court held that school officials could censor student speech in school-sponsored activities like student newspapers, as long as the censorship is reasonably related to educational concerns.
Texas v. Johnson (1989)
The Court ruled that flag burning as a form of protest is protected by the First Amendment as expressive speech. The decision upheld an individual’s right to engage in symbolic speech.
Shaw v. Reno (1993)
The Court held that racial gerrymandering, redrawing electoral districts to favor a particular race, was unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
U.S. v. Lopez (1995)
The Court struck down a federal law (Gun-Free School Zones Act) on grounds that it exceeded Congress’ power under the Commerce Clause. This decision reaffirmed the importance of federalism and limited federal authority.
Bush v. Gore (2000)
In a controversial ruling, the Court effectively ended the Florida recount in the 2000 presidential election, leading to George W. Bush’s victory. The decision was based on equal protection concerns regarding the inconsistent recounting methods.
District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)
The Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to possess firearms for self-defense within the home, affirming an individual rights interpretation of the Amendment.
