60s Court Cases

Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)

Court struck down state law prohibiting contraceptives, even among married couples; established a person’s “right to privacy;” this right will be the basis of the later Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

defendants are entitled to legal counsel even if they are too poor to afford it

Escobedo v. Illinois (1964)

suspects have a right to counsel (attorney) during police interrogations

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

criminal suspects must be informed of their right to consult with an attorney and of their right against self-incrimination prior to questioning by police

New York Times v. Sullivan (1964)

free speech; public figures could sue for libel only if they could prove “malice” motivated defamers

Engel v. Vitale (1962) and School District of Abington Township v. Schempp (1963)

separation of church and state; prohibits required prayers and Bible reading in public schools