AP gov laws Judiciary

Prior restraint

Government actions that prevent the publication of information before it is shared with the public, restricting freedom of speech or the press.

Establishment clause

Part of the First Amendment prohibiting the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religion, ensuring the separation of church and state.

Wall of separation

Metaphor for keeping church and state separate, advocating for no government interference or establishment of religion.

NAACP

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, pivotal in the civil rights movement, fighting against racial discrimination through legal action, protests, and education.

Initiating legal action

Starting or beginning a legal proceeding or lawsuit.

Dred Scott v

Landmark Supreme Court case ruling that African Americans were not citizens and could not sue in federal court, intensifying tensions before the Civil War.

Fourteenth Amendment

Ratified in 1868, grants equal protection and due process under the law, prohibiting states from denying these rights.

Due process clause

Ensures fair treatment and procedures in legal proceedings, protecting individuals from arbitrary government actions.

Equal protection clause

Guarantees equal protection under the law regardless of characteristics like race or gender.

De facto segregation

Segregation occurring in practice, not mandated by law.

De jure segregation

Segregation legally enforced through laws or policies.

Affirmative action

Policies aiming to provide equal opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups in areas like education and employment.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, pivotal in advancing civil rights and ending segregation.

Fourth Amendment

Protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring probable cause for search warrants.

Sixth Amendment

Guarantees rights to individuals accused of crimes, including the right to a speedy trial, an attorney, and to confront witnesses.

Eminent domain

Government's power to take private property for public use with just compensation to the owner.

Marbury v

Established judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

McCulloch v

Confirmed the constitutionality of a national bank and federal law supremacy over state law.

Schenck v

Introduced the "clear and present danger" test, limiting free speech for national security.

Brown v

Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning "separate but equal."

Baker v

Established "one person, one vote," ensuring equal representation in legislative districts.

Engel v

Ruled public school-sponsored prayer violated the First Amendment's establishment clause.

Gideon v

Established the right to counsel for individuals accused of crimes.

Tinker v

Upheld students' First Amendment rights to express opinions through symbolic speech.

New York Times v

Protected freedom of the press by allowing the publication of classified documents.

Wisconsin v

Recognized Amish parents' right to remove children from public school due to religious beliefs.

Reno v

Addressed racial gerrymandering, ruling against race as the predominant factor in drawing district lines.

United States v

Limited federal government authority under the Commerce Clause, regulating non-economic activities.

McDonald v

Extended the Second Amendment's right to bear arms to state and local governments.

Citizens United v

Ruled political spending by corporations and unions as protected speech under the First Amendment.