Important Supreme Court Cases

Question 1

Gibbons v. Ogden (1803)

Answer 1

Topic: Constitutional Underpinnings

Issue: Could the state of NY issue a law that controlled interstate steamboat operations?

Significance: Supremacy Clause supported the conclusion that the NY monopoly was void b/c it conflicted with federal law

Article/Amendment: Supremacy Clause

Question 2

Reynolds v. United States (1878)

Answer 2

Topic: Civil Liberties

Issue: If the gov. Invoked privilege to withhold info in civil proceedings, must court view the point in which evidence is withheld in the plantiff’s favor?

Significance: Gov. may withhold info for reasons of national security even when that info is vital

Article/Amendment:

Question 3

New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964)

Answer 3

Topic: Civil Liberties

Issue: Libel law infringe on 1st Amendment freedoms of speech and press protection?

Significance:
•Court defined what is meant by libel and slander as it pertains to public officials and public figures
•Individuals must show that false statements were made and publicized with malice and knowledge of their falsity or with “reckless disregard of their truth or falsity”
•Hard for public figures to win libel suits
•Public officials can’t sue for defamation unless statement is made of “actual malice”

Article/Amendment: 1st Amendment

Question 4

Korematsu v. United States (1944)

Answer 4

Topic: Civil Rights

Issue: Can the gov. expand its power during wartime?

Significance:
•Constitutional to “relocate” Japanese-Am. during wartime
•Violation of civil liberties

Article/Amendment: 14th Amendment

Question 5

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Answer 5

Topic: Civil Rights

Issue: Does SC have jurisdiction over questions of legislative apportionment?

Significance:
•Baker paves way for federal courts to adjudicate legislative apportionment

Article/Amendment: 14th Amendment

Question 6

Buckley v. Valeo (1976)

Answer 6

Topic: Elections and Campaign Finance

Issue: Did limits placed on electoral expidentures violate 1st Amendment?

Significance:
•Campaign spending is a form of political expression the 1st Amendment protects
•Congress can regulate contributions to candidates and parties