Court Cases

Marbury v. Madison

The principle of judicial review, allowing courts to strike down unconstitutional laws.

Engel v. Vitale

State-sponsored prayer in schools was declared unconstitutional, reinforcing the separation of church and state.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Religious beliefs can outweigh state educational interest.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Schools can only limit speech if it causes a substantial disruption; thus, students could protest.

Texas v. Johnson

The government cannot prohibit expression simply because it is offensive.

Mapp v. Ohio establish

Evidence obtained through illegal searches and seizures is inadmissible in state courts.

NYT v. US

Prior restraint is unconstitutional unless the government proves immediate harm to national security.

McDonald v. Chicago

The Second Amendment is incorporated through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, prohibiting infringement by state and local governments.

Miranda v. Arizona

Police must inform suspects of their rights, known as Miranda rights, to protect against self-incrimination.

Gideon v. Wainwright

The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel in state criminal cases.

Plessy v. Ferguson

The constitutionality of racial segregation under the doctrine of 'separate but equal'.

Brown v. Board of Education

Racial segregation in public schools was ruled unconstitutional, stating 'separate educational facilities are inherently unequal'.

Regents of UC v. Bakke

While race could be considered in admissions, the use of racial quotas was unconstitutional.

Roe v. Wade

A woman's right to choose an abortion is protected under the constitutional right to privacy.