Key Supreme Court Cases and Rulings

Flashcards summarizing key Supreme Court cases, their issues, and rulings related to the Fourth and Eighth Amendments.

Mapp v. Ohio (1961)

Ruled that evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment is inadmissible in state courts.

United States v. Leon (1984)

Introduced the 'good faith' exception allowing illegally obtained evidence if police reasonably relied on a defective warrant.

Mapp v. Ohio (1961)

Ruled that evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment is inadmissible in state courts.

United States v. Leon (1984)

Introduced the 'good faith' exception allowing illegally obtained evidence if police reasonably relied on a defective warrant.

Hudson v. Michigan (2006)

Held that failure to follow the 'knock-and-announce' rule does not automatically exclude evidence.

Nix v. Williams (1984)

Introduced the 'inevitable discovery' doctrine allowing evidence that would have been found lawfully.

Silverthorne Lumber Co. v. United States (1920)

Established the 'fruit of the poisonous tree' doctrine preventing use of evidence derived from illegal searches.

Terry v. Ohio (1968)

Ruled that police can stop and frisk a person without a warrant based on reasonable suspicion.

Herring v. United States (2009)

Held that if an error in records is due to negligence, the exclusionary rule does not apply.

Weeks v. United States (1914)

Established the exclusionary rule at the federal level, ruling that warrantless evidence cannot be used.

Illinois v. Gates (1983)

Introduced the 'totality of the circumstances' test for determining probable cause from anonymous tips.

Arizona v. Gant (2009)

Ruled that police can search a vehicle after arresting its occupant only under specific conditions.

Trop v. Dulles (1958)

Ruled that revoking U.S. citizenship as punishment is 'cruel and unusual punishment' under the Eighth Amendment.

Robinson v. California (1962)

Held that it is unconstitutional to punish someone for drug addiction itself as it violates the Eighth Amendment.

City of Grants Pass v. Johnson (2024)

Pending case on whether cities can criminalize sleeping outside when no shelter is available, regarding the Eighth Amendment.

Furman v. Georgia (1972)

Ruled that the death penalty, as applied, violated the Eighth Amendment due to arbitrary application.

Gregg v. Georgia (1976)

Held that the death penalty is constitutional if applied fairly.

Estelle v. Gamble (1976)

Ruled that prisoners have a right to necessary medical care, denying such care violates the Eighth Amendment.