Scotus

Marbury v. Madison

Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland

McCulloch v. Maryland ruled that Congress has implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause and that states cannot tax federal institutions.

United States v. Lopez

United States v. Lopez held that Congress exceeded its Commerce Clause power, limiting federal authority by ruling that not all activities affect interstate commerce.

Engel v. Vitale

Engel v. Vitale ruled that school-sponsored prayer in public schools violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Wisconsin v. Yoder held that forcing Amish children to attend school past 8th grade violates their Free Exercise rights.

New York Times v. United States

New York Times v. United States held that the government cannot use prior restraint to censor the press unless there is a clear threat to national security.

Schenck v. United States

Schenck v. United States ruled that speech creating a “clear and present danger” is not protected by the First Amendment.

Gideon v. Wainwright

Gideon v. Wainwright held that states must provide an attorney to defendants who cannot afford one under the Sixth Amendment.

McDonald v. Chicago

McDonald v. Chicago held that the Second Amendment right to bear arms applies to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Brown v. Board of Education

Brown v. Board of Education ruled that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional because it violates the Equal Protection Clause.

Citizens United v. FEC

Citizens United v. FEC held that corporations and unions have a First Amendment right to spend unlimited money on political campaigns.