AP Gov Court Cases Review

McCulloch vs Maryland

established national bank in Maryland, Maryland taxes bank. national bank is constitutional, and cannot be taxed.

US vs Lopes

gun free zone act of 1990 (guns should not be around schools because it will affect commerce; it will bring violence). decided that commerce clause cannot be used to restrict guns; unconstitutional.

Engle vs Vitale

voluntary prayer at school over the intercom (non-specific prayer); cannot pray in a public school, violates establishment clause (no law respecting establishment of religion).

Wisconsin vs Yoder

amish communities do not want to educate child after 14 yrs. constitutional, protects religious culture.

NYT vs US

NYT claimed false statements about sheriff during southern boycott; found no malice, so media can write whatever they want as long as it doesn't lie on purpose. (freedom of press)

Schenk vs US

WW1, clear and present danger: guy handing out "dodge the draft", violates espionage act of 1917 because it creates clear and present danger. (freedom of speech)

Citizens United vs Federal Elections Commission

you cannot spend unlimited amounts of money on political advertisement for elections; unconstitutional because it limits speech. (freedom of speech)

McDonald vs Chicago

Chicago banned handguns, McDonald sues, violation of second amendment.

Gideon vs Wainwright

write to counsel, all people have the right to counsel.

Brown vs Board

Overturned Plessy vs Ferguson, separate but equal is NOT equal.

Roe vs Wade

abortion is constitutional under right to privacy.

Baker vs Carr

Gerrymandering: it is constitutional and cases can be heard. (one person one vote)

Shaw vs Reno

cannot gerrymander solely on race.

Marbury vs Madison

can branches really decide how other branches should work? yes. (Federalist 78)