Court Cases to study

A set of practice flashcards covering key U.S. Supreme Court cases related to First Amendment rights and criminal procedure.

Which 1963 Supreme Court case requires that states provide defendants with attorneys in state courts?

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963).

What standard did Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969) establish regarding advocacy of violence or lawless methods as political reform?

The 'imminent lawless action' standard; speech advocating violence is protected unless it incites imminent lawless action.

What did Texas v. Johnson (1989) rule about flag burning?

Flag burning is a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment.

What did Reno v. American Civil Liberties Union (1997) decide about the anti-indecency provisions of the Communications Decency Act?

They were unconstitutionally vague.

What case defined 'unreasonable search and seizure' and established the exclusionary rule by prohibiting illegally obtained evidence?

Mapp v. Ohio (1961).

What did Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) affirm about student expression?

Students retain their First Amendment right to free speech in school (e.g., wearing armbands to protest the Vietnam War).

What did Engel v. Vitale (1963) rule about school-sponsored prayer?

There can be no school-led prayer in public schools as it violates the Establishment Clause.

What standard did Schenck v. United States (1919) establish for restricting speech?

The 'clear and present danger' principle; limits on speech, especially during wartime.