Planned parenthood v Casey (1992)

Facts: Challenged a Pennsylvania law requiring a 24-hour waiting period, informed consent, parental consent for minors, and husband notification for arrived women before an abortion, Outcome: The court upheld the “essential holding” of roe but replaced the trimester framework with the “undue burden” test. It upheld all Pennsylvania provisions except for the requirement that a woman notify her husband.

Roe v Wade

Facts: Concerned a woman's right to have an abortion under the right to privacy.

• Outcome: Established that the Constitution protects a woman's liberty to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction. (Modified by Casey to allow state regulation after fetal viability, around 22 weeks).

Fisher v University of Texas II

• Facts: A white student (Abigail Fisher) sued after being denied admission, arguing the university’s use of race as a factor in the "holistic review" for the remaining 10% of applicants violated the Equal Protection Clause.

• Outcome: The Court upheld the university’s program, ruling that the use of race as one factor among many was narrowly tailored to serve a compelling interest in educational diversity under strict scrutiny.

Brown v Board of education

Facts: Challenged the "separate but equal" doctrine in public schools, arguing that racially segregated schools were inherently unequal.

• Outcome: The Court ruled that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal," violating the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Schenck v U.S. / Brandenburg v Ohio

Facts: Cases involving speech that the government attempted to suppress (anti-draft pamphlets and a KKK rally, respectively).

• Outcome: Schenck established the "clear and present danger" test; Brandenburg narrowed this, ruling that speech can only be prohibited if it is directed at inciting imminent lawless action.

Snyder v Phelps

Facts: The Westboro Baptist Church picketed the funeral of a fallen Marine with highly offensive signs. The family sued for emotional distress.

• Outcome: The Court protected the picketing, ruling that even "hurtful" speech on public issues in a public space is protected by the First Amendment.

Reynolds v U.S.

Facts: George Reynolds, a member of the LDS Church, challenged a federal anti-bigamy law, arguing it was his religious duty to have multiple wives.

• Outcome: The Court upheld his conviction, creating a distinction between religious belief (protected) and religious action (which can be regulated if it violates social order).

Wisconsin v Yoder

Facts: Amish parents refused to send their children to school after the 8th grade, arguing it violated their religious beliefs.

• Outcome: The Court ruled in favor of the parents, finding that the Free Exercise Clause outweighed the state's interest in compelling school attendance beyond 8th grade.

Betts v Brady

Facts: An indigent defendant in Maryland was denied a lawyer for a robbery charge because it wasn't a capital (death penalty) case.

• Outcome: The Court ruled that states were not required to provide counsel in non-capital cases, arguing the 6th Amendment right to counsel only applied to federal courts.

Gideon v Wainwright

Facts: Clarence Earl Gideon was denied a lawyer in Florida for a felony charge and had to represent himself.

• Outcome: The Court overturned Betts v. Brady, ruling that the 6th Amendment right to counsel is a fundamental right made applicable to the states via the 14th Amendment.

Mapp v. Ohio (1961) / Miranda v. Arizona

Facts: Mapp involved evidence seized without a valid warrant; Miranda involved a confession obtained without the defendant being told of his rights.

• Outcome: Mapp incorporated the Exclusionary Rule (4th Amendment) to states. Miranda required police to inform suspects of their 5th and 6th Amendment rights upon arrest.