Supreme Court Cases Flashcards
(8 cards)
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
This case involved a New York school district that encouraged the recitation of a voluntary, non-denominational prayer. The Supreme Court ruled that government-directed prayer in public schools violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. It reinforced the principle of separation of church and state and limited religious activities in public institutions. The ruling has served as a foundation for future decisions restricting school-sponsored religious expression.
Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)
Amish parents challenged a Wisconsin law requiring their children to attend school past 8th grade, arguing it violated their religious beliefs. The Supreme Court sided with the parents, ruling that the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment outweighed the state’s interest in compulsory education. The case emphasized the protection of religious practices from government interference. It strengthened the application of the Free Exercise Clause in education and family decisions.
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
Students were suspended for wearing black armbands to protest the Vietnam War. The Supreme Court ruled that students do not lose their First Amendment rights at school unless their actions disrupt the educational environment. This case established that symbolic speech is protected under the First Amendment. It remains a key precedent for student rights and free expression in schools.
Schenck v. United States (1919)
During World War I, Charles Schenck was convicted for distributing leaflets urging resistance to the draft. The Court upheld his conviction, stating that speech creating a “clear and present danger” is not protected under the First Amendment. This case introduced the “clear and present danger” test as a limit on free speech. Though later refined, it marked an early recognition of restrictions on wartime speech.
New York Times v. United States (1971)
The Nixon administration tried to prevent the New York Times from publishing the Pentagon Papers, citing national security. The Supreme Court ruled that prior restraint is unconstitutional unless publication would cause a direct, immediate, and irreparable harm. This decision strengthened press freedom under the First Amendment. It set a high bar for government censorship of the media.
McDonald v. Chicago (2010)
This case challenged Chicago’s handgun ban as a violation of the Second Amendment. The Supreme Court ruled that the right to keep and bear arms applies to state and local governments through the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause. It extended the Second Amendment’s protections beyond the federal level. This case reinforced the doctrine of selective incorporation.
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
Clarence Gideon was denied a court-appointed lawyer in a Florida felony case. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to legal counsel, even for defendants in state courts. This ruling expanded the rights of the accused and ensured fairer trials. It incorporated the Sixth Amendment to the states via the Fourteenth Amendment.
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
This landmark case challenged racial segregation in public schools. The Court unanimously ruled that “separate but equal” educational facilities are inherently unequal, violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. It overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and marked a major victory for the civil rights movement. The decision laid the groundwork for desegregation and equal educational opportunities.
