Famous Cases Flashcards
Marbury v Madison
Established the power of “judicial review” to the Supreme Court, giving them the ability to determine if a government action or law is constitutional or not.
Griswold v Connecticut
Individuals have a “zone of personal privacy”, further establishing the “right of privacy”
Gideon v Wainwright
States must also appoint attorneys to defendants if they cannot afford one.
Texas v Johnson
Government may not punish symbolic actions. (Case specifically referenced burning US flag)
Gitlow v New York
Stated first amendment applies to states a well. States do not have the right to punish citizens for what they say unless it invokes or causes violence.
Mapp v Ohio
Evidence acquired through unlawful search is not allowed to be used to prosecute an individual.
Miranda v Arizona
Individuals need to be informed of criminal rights for them to mean anything. Formed the “Miranda Statement”
Near v Minnesota
Invalidated state laws restricting expression of press.
Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v Casey
Upheld Roe v Wade, but allowed for certain restrictions as long as it did not form an “undue burden” for women
Engel v Vitale
Recitation of prayer in public schools is prohibited.
Abington School District v Schempp
School-sponsored Bible readings and recitation of Lord’s Prayer in build school is prohibited.
Murray v Curlett
Bible reading in public school is unconstitutional.
Roe v Wade
Established that right to an abortion for women.
Brandenburg v Ohio
Established imminent lawless action test. Speech may not be restricted unless it is aimed at invoking, and will likely cause lawless action.
Lawrence v Texas
State sodomy laws violate the “right of privacy”
Obergefelle v Hodges
State laws restricting same-sex marriage violate the 14th amendment.
McDonald v Chicago
States and cities cannot restrict private gun ownership, as it violates the 2nd amendment.
Schenck v US
Established “clear-and-present-danger test”. Individuals do not have the right to express anything that will present a clear and present danger to the nations security.
Plessy v Ferguson
Established “separate but equal” clause, which led to justification for Jim Crow laws.
Regents of the University of California v Bakke
S.C. ruled that affirmative action is allowed to create diversity, but that “quotas” to do so is in violation of equal-protections clause.
Brown v Board of Education
Ruled that segregation of educational institutions is a violation of the equal-protections clause.
