Key Supreme Court Cases: Civil Rights, Free Speech, and Federal Power

Schenck v. United States

A man encouraged people not to join the draft during wartime. Speech can be limited when it creates a 'clear and present danger.'

New York Times v. United States

The government tried to stop newspapers from publishing the Pentagon Papers. The government cannot use prior restraint to block publication.

Baker v. Carr

Tennessee's voting districts were unequal because population changes were ignored. Redistricting issues can be decided by federal courts.

United States v. Lopez

A student brought a gun to school under the Gun-Free School Zones Act. Congress exceeded its power under the Commerce Clause.

Citizens United v. FEC

A political film about Hillary Clinton was restricted before an election. Corporations can spend unlimited money independently in political campaigns.

Marbury v. Madison

William Marbury sued after not receiving his judicial appointment. Established judicial review.

Brown v. Board of Education

Black students were denied access to certain public schools because of segregation. 'Separate but equal' in public schools is unconstitutional.

McDonald v. Chicago

Chicago banned handgun ownership. The 2nd Amendment applies to state and local governments.

Shaw v. Reno

Voting districts were redrawn in strange shapes based heavily on race. Racial gerrymandering can violate the Equal Protection Clause.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Maryland tried to tax the national bank. States cannot tax federal institutions.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Students wore black armbands to protest the Vietnam War. Students have free speech rights in school.

Engel v. Vitale

Public schools organized official school prayer. School-sponsored prayer violates the Establishment Clause.

Gideon v. Wainwright

A poor defendant was denied a lawyer in a felony case. States must provide attorneys to defendants who cannot afford one.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Amish families refused to send children to school past 8th grade for religious reasons. Mandatory school attendance laws violated free exercise of religion.