Unit 3 Civil Rights & Liberties - Supreme Court Cases

Engle v Vitale

A New York school’s daily, state-written prayer violated the Establishment Clause. The Court ruled that public schools cannot sponsor or promote religious exercises.

Wisconsin v Yoder

Forcing Amish students to attend school past 8th grade violated their Free Exercise rights. The Court held that religious freedom outweighed the state's compulsory education interest.

Tinker v Des Moines

Students suspended for wearing armbands to protest the Vietnam War were protected by the First Amendment. The Court said student speech is allowed as long as it doesn’t substantially disrupt school.

Schenk v United States

Schenck’s anti-draft leaflets during WWI were not protected speech because they created a “clear and present danger.” The Court allowed limits on speech during wartime when national security is at risk.

NYT v United States

The government tried to stop newspapers from publishing the Pentagon Papers, but the Court ruled this prior restraint unconstitutional. The government failed to show that publication posed a real security threat.

McDonald v Chicago

Chicago’s handgun ban was challenged by residents who argued it violated the Second Amendment. The Court held that the right to keep and bear arms applies to the states through the 14th Amendment, making Chicago’s ban unconstitutional.

Gideon v. Wainright

Clarence Gideon was convicted in Florida after being denied a lawyer because he couldn’t afford one. The Supreme Court ruled that the Sixth Amendment right to counsel applies to the states through the 14th Amendment, and Gideon was given a new trial with an attorney and was acquitted.