Cases on Civil Rights within Constitution Flashcards
Burwell v Hobby Lobby Stores 2014
First Amendment.
Wanted to repeal parts of the ACA based on religious reasons due to contraception based on Religious Freedom Restoration Act 1933.
Shows political activism as SCOTUS ruled in favor of repealing parts of the ACA.
This limits the power of congress as it struck down federal law as well limit Obama’s Mandate
This removed policy as it struck down parts of the ACA as it did infringe on religious grounds therefore the constitution.
Snyder v Phelps 2011
First amendment
Snyder father sued the West Baptist Church for deformation after they picketed his son’s funeral over him being raised catholic.
This shows political restraint as the ruling was 8-1 which shows almost unanimous decision.
No limit on other branches
Upholding the first amendment and provided clarity.
Citizens United v FEC 2010 and McCutcheon v FEC 2014
First amendment
Corporations and Interest Groups are protected by the 1st amendment and made way for super PACs in campaign finance.
McCutchen removed the limit to the number of donations.
This shows the court is activist in their decision as the final rule was 5-4 conservatives.
Limited the wishes of the president and struck down federal law
Removed federal law passed by a elected congress and ruled against the presidents wishes, exercising judicial review.
Carson v Makin 2022
First amendment
Case centred around limits of school vouchers by the state which disallowed them for religious private schools.
Shows political activism as the ruling was 6-3 with the minority arguing separation of state and government.
Limited federalism and state rights as it limited Maines ability to legislate in education
It removed policy and limited federalism.
Kennedy v Bremerton School District 2022
First Amendment
Case was about Joseph Kennedy and how his contract wasn’t renewed over him and his players praying on the field.
Shows political activism as the 6-3 rolling followed by the decision to over turn lower courts shows activism.
The ruling limited the power of the state as the school districts follow under the purview of the state through education.
Removed the desicion made by the lower court and said the school board acted improper when they failed to renew the contract.
Creative LLC v Elenis 2023
First Amendment
A graphic designer wanted to expand but didn’t want to advertise for same sex couples, Colorado said this was illegal but First amendment takes priority.
Shows political activism as the ruling was split 6-3 in favour of the constitution.
This limited state rights and therefore federalism and constitution is sovereign not state law.
Removed the the consumer law passed by Colorado and highlighted where sovereignty lies.
DC v Heller 2008
2nd Amendment
The second amendment guarantees an individuals right to possess firearms in a state militia. Case over the wording over ‘the people.’
Activism as there was a 5-4 ruling
Did not limit state/federal/presiding power.
This upheld the constitution and its interpretation.
McDonald v Chicago 2010
2nd Amendment
Court ruled that right to bare arms is protected by the second amendment and can not be infringed by state or local governments .
5-4 ruling shows activism by the court towards the second amendment.
14th amendment and 2nd amendment restricted some states rights and therefore federalism.
Upheld policy as it upheld DC v Heller and the constitution.
New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v Bruen 2022
2nd Amendment
Right to carry concealed and right for loaded handguns in public.
Shows activism as a 6-3 ruling
Limited congress as well as state law
Removed policy set under Bidens bipartisanship gun control and New York State law
Carpenter v US 2018
Fourth Amendment
Provided clarity around the 4th amendment and the right to privacy and obtaining phone data.
No limitation on rights as all it did was provided legal clarity.
This created new policy to ensure clarity was met
Miranda v Arizona 1966
Fifth Amendment
Confused to rape unaware he had the right to remain silent
Shows political activism as the court ruled 5-4 that his rights weren’t fulfilled and ingrained his right to remain silent
Did not hinder state or federal rights.
Created new policy of reciting rights upon arrest to protect individuals.
Salinas v Texas 2013
Fifth amendment
Was questioned and when asked about if the shotgun shell casing matched Salinas stayed silent and they used this as guilt
Showed activism as the ruling was 5-4 towards conservatives.
Did not limit state rights but did limit individual rights and weakened the Miranda rights.
Removed and weakened individual rights.
Buckley v Precythe 2019
Eight Amendment
Buckley argued that the death penalty was too painful to him to endure and he was entitled to cruelty free form of the death penalty.
Activism as the ruling was 5-4 and he was executed.
No limit to state rights.
Policy regarding the death penalty was upheld so Buckley was executed.
Dobbs v Jackson 2022
Fourteenth Amendment
Overturned Roe V Wade and Planned Parenthood v Casey. Returned abortion rights back to the states and did not protect the rights to abortion federally.
Did not uphold state rights and further enhanced federalism. It did limit presidents mandate as he was firmly against it.
This removed policy passed by previous SCOTUS rulings and enhanced federalism.
Obergefell v Hodges 2015
14th amendment
Established same sex marriage through 14th amendment, an example of quasi legislative body.
It shows political activism as the 5-4 ruling with swing vote loose constructionism
Yes to a limited extent it could be argued to erode state rights
This created new policy and allow same sex marriage.
