scotus required cases

Marbury v. Madison

Established judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Strengthened federal power by ruling that Congress has implied powers and states can't tax the federal government.

United States v. Lopez

Limited Congress’s use of the commerce clause; ruled that carrying a gun in a school zone is not economic activity.

Engel v. Vitale

School-led prayer violates the Establishment Clause; government cannot promote religion in public schools.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Protected religious freedom by allowing Amish families to take their children out of school after 8th grade.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Students have free speech rights in school as long as it doesn’t disrupt learning; symbolic speech is protected.

NYT v. United States

Government can't use prior restraint to stop the press unless it causes a clear danger; protected press freedom.

Schenck v. United States

Speech can be limited if it presents a 'clear and present danger,' especially during wartime.

Gideon v. Wainwright

States must provide an attorney to defendants who can't afford one in criminal cases (6th Amendment).

Shaw v. Reno

Racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional; redistricting based solely on race violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

McDonald v. Chicago

Incorporated the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms to the states through the 14th Amendment.

Brown v. Board

Racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional; overturned Plessy v. Ferguson.

Citizens United v. FEC

Corporations and unions can spend unlimited money on political ads; political spending is free speech.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Allowed federal courts to hear redistricting cases; established 'one person, one vote' principle.