KEY CASE STUDIES/EXAMPLES!

Question 1

Outline Roe vs Wade (1973)

Answer 1

This Act struck down abortion laws that restricted women from getting an abortion. HOWEVER - This Act was overturned in 2022, which has allowed for states to individually determine whether or not they restrict or allow women to have an abortion.

Question 2

Outline Obama’s 2012 Sandy Hook Legislation.

Answer 2

After the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, Obama attempted to introduce stricter gun laws. However, even though 90% of the population supported the new legislation, the NRA (National Rifle Association) opposed the legislation and blocked it.

Question 3

How many states is the death penalty legal in (as of 2023)?

Answer 3

27 US States, including Texas and Oklahoma.

Question 4

Outline Roth v. United States (1957)

Answer 4

This case stated that obscene material is not protected by the 1st Amendment.

Question 5

Outline Texas v. Johnson (1989)

Answer 5

This case stated that the law prohibiting the burning of the American flag is unconstitutional as it violated the 1st Amendment. This led to many states overturning their laws regarding flag desecration laws.

Question 6

Outline Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992)

Answer 6

This case placed tighter restrictions on abortion by upholding parts of Pennsylvania’s abortion law.

Question 7

Outline Bush v. Gore (2000)

Answer 7

This case ended the recount of ballots in Florida in the 2000 Presidential Election as violating the Equal Protection Clause; this effectively meant that the Supreme Court resolved the election in favour of George W. Bush, who then became the President.

Question 8

Outline Oberegefell v. Hodges (2015)

Answer 8

This Supreme Court case ruled that the right to marry should be extended and guaranteed to same-sex couples. This legalised same-sex marriage across the US and in every state and placed same-sex marriage on the same level as heterosexual marriages.

Question 9

Outline Boumediene v. Bush (2008)

Answer 9

This case said that foreign terrorism suspects have constitutional rights to challenge their detention and sentence at the Guantanamo Bay naval base; they can make their case in United States courts.

Question 10

Outline Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Answer 10

This Act says that the 5th Amendment required law enforcement officials to advise a suspect of their rights to remain silent and to obtain/have an attorney/lawyer.

Question 11

Outline Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Answer 11

This case said that government-directed prayer in public schools (even if it is denominationally neutral or non-mandatory for students) violates the Establishment Clause of the 1st Amendment in the Bill of Rights.