Important Amendment & Court Cases

Marbury vs Madison (1803)

Established the principle of judcial review

• Judicial Review: Can declare laws from Congress or acts from the president unconstitutional

Schenck vs. United States (1919)

Established that constitutional rights are not absolute, particularly during wartime, allowing greater restrictions on speech to prevent disruption of military efforts.

• 1st Amendment

Brown vs. Board of Education (1954)

Unanimously declared state-mandated racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine from Plessy v. Ferguson

• 14th Amendment

Miranda vs. Arizona (1966)

Established the mandatory "Miranda warning," requiring police to inform suspects in custody of their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and Sixth Amendment right to counsel before interrogation. Ensures that confessions obtained without these warnings are generally inadmissible in court

• 5th Amendment

Obergefell vs. Hodges (2015)

Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, ruling that the 14th Amendment guarantees same-sex couples the fundamental right to m arry, requiring all states to license and recognize these unions.

• 14th Amendment

Texas vs. Johnson (1989)

Ruled flag burning is protected "symbolic speech" under the First Amendment.

• 1st Amendment

Furman vs. Georgia (1972)

Forced states to rewrite laws to prevent arbitrary and discriminatory application of capital punishment, leading to a de facto moratorium.

• 8th Amendment

Winconsion vs. Yoder (1972)

Ruled Amish families could not be forced to send their children to public school beyond the eighth grade. Held that the First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause outweighs state interests in mandatory education when schooling conflicts with deeply held religious beliefs

• 1st Amendment

California vs. Greenwood (1988)

Establishing that police do not need a warrant to search garbage left for collection at the curb.

• 4th Amendment

4th Amendment

Protections against unwarranted searches & serizures

5th Amendment

You don’t have to tesitfy against yourself, double jeopartdy, due process

6th Amendment

Right to a speedy trial, right to a lawyer, and jury

8th Amendment

Prohibits "cruel and unusual punishments”

14th Amendment

Defines U.S. citizenship, prohibits states from abridging citizens' privileges or immunities, guarantees due process of law, and ensures equal protection of the laws.