Untitled Flashcards Set

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

The Supreme Court ruled that public school-sponsored prayer, even if non-denominational, violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits government endorsement of religion.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

The ruling affirmed that students do not lose their right to free speech at school. It emphasized that symbolic speech, such as wearing armbands in protest, is protected under the First Amendment, provided it does not cause substantial disruption to the school environment.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

The Supreme Court established the 'clear and present danger' test, determining that speech which poses an immediate threat to national security, particularly during wartime, is not protected under the First Amendment.

New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)

This landmark case asserted that the government cannot impose prior restraint on the press, meaning they cannot prevent publication of information unless it poses an immediate and serious threat to national security.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

This case held that political spending by corporations and labor unions is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment, allowing these entities to spend unlimited amounts on political campaigns.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

The Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment right to bear arms is applicable to state laws through the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment, thereby extending protections against state infringement.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

The ruling mandated that states are required to provide an attorney to defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford one, thus guaranteeing the right to counsel as part of the Sixth Amendment.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

This case established that the right to privacy, as implied in the Constitution, includes a woman's decision to have an abortion, balancing the state's interests in regulating abortions with women's rights.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

This pivotal Supreme Court case ruled that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional, violating the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, and mandating desegregation.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

The Supreme Court confirmed the supremacy of federal law over state law and endorsed the use of implied powers by Congress, affirming its authority to create a national bank.

United States v. Lopez (1995)

The Supreme Court ruled that Congress exceeded its authority under the Commerce Clause by criminalizing gun possession in school zones, marking a limit on federal power.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

The Court held that enforcing compulsory school attendance laws beyond the eighth grade for Amish children violated their rights under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

This case established the principle of judicial review, granting the Supreme Court the authority to invalidate laws that it finds in conflict with the Constitution.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

This case enabled federal courts to intervene in and decide redistricting cases, affirming the principle of 'one person, one vote' and addressing issues of unequal representation.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

This case imposed strict scrutiny on racial gerrymandering cases, requiring that electoral district maps not be drawn solely based on race, reinforcing the Equal Protection Clause.