Key Supreme Court Cases Overview

These flashcards cover significant Supreme Court cases and their implications on law and civil rights.

Engel v. Vitale

Supreme Court case ruling that voluntary school prayers violate the establishment clause, reinforcing separation of church and state.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Court case in which Amish parents successfully argued that compulsory education laws infringed on their free exercise of religion.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Supreme Court case that affirmed students' rights to free speech in schools unless it causes disruption.

Schenk v. United States

Ruling that speech posing a clear and present danger can be limited, particularly during wartime.

Gideon v. Wainwright

Court ruling that mandated states must provide attorneys for defendants who cannot afford one, strengthening the right to counsel.

McDonald v. City of Chicago

Supreme Court decision that applied the Second Amendment to the states, ruling that states cannot ban handguns outright.

New York Times vs. United States

Ruling that protected freedom of speech, stating that prior restraint is unconstitutional.

Roe v. Wade

Court case that recognized a constitutional right to abortion under privacy rights, though later overturned.

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization

Decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and returned abortion regulation to the states.

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka

Milestone ruling that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

Students for Fair Admission vs. Harvard

Court case deciding that race-based affirmative action in college admissions violates the equal protection clause.

Citizens United vs. FEC

Ruling that political spending is protected speech and that corporations/unions can spend unlimited money independently.

Plessy v Ferguson

Court ruling that upheld the legality of segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine until it was overturned by Brown v. Board.