GOV Supreme Court Cases

McChulloch v Maryland

Congress created the 2nd bank, Maryland wanted to impose taxes on the bank, court ruled states cant tax federal constitutions.

“Necessary and proper clause” - gave implied powers than those explicitly stated

“Federal supremacy” - government power over states

United States v Lopez

The gun free zone act made it a crime to have a gun within 1000 ft of a school. It was ruled unconstitutional because it exceeds court authority and it having a gun is not connected to interstate commerce. Encroaching on the reserved power of the states in the 10th amendment.

Engal v Vitale

NYC allowed for a morning prayer in school, courts ruled the public school officials could not create prayers for school.

“First amendment” - separation of church and state

Wisconsin v Yoder

Amish members refused to send their kids to school after 8th grade bc it conflicted w their beliefs. The law says all kids need to stat in school until 16. Court ruled free exercise of religion outweighed the states.

“1st amendment” - free exercise of religion

Tinker v Des Moines

A group of students planned to wear black arm bands in support of vietnam. The principal said it wasn’t allowed. The court believed the schools actions was reasonable to uphold school discipline.

“1st amendment” - freedom of speech

New York Times v United States

Nixons administration tried to prevent the nyc times from releasing info about what American did in vietnam claiming its classified info to protect national security. The court ruled publication would not harm national security. Restraint of materials in unjustified.

“First amendment” - freedom of press

Schneck v United States

During WW1 socialists urged people to peacefully disobey the draft saying it violated the 13th amendment of involuntary servitude. The court ruled it was an appropriate act of war time authority and freedom of speech could not protect speech that causes danger.

“First amendment” - freedom of speech

Gideon v Wainwright

Gideon was charged with breaking and entering, he requested to have a lawyer in trial, courts denied claiming its only for poor people. The court ruled that the state must appoint attorneys for those who can’t retain one.

“6th amendment”- right to counsel in criminal cases

“14th amendment” made it obligatory upon states

Mcdonald v Chicago

In a previous court case “D.C v Hellen” people had the right to firearms for self defense (but only applied to federal government). Later Chicago banned guns and mcdonald sued them saying they violated the second amendment.

“Second Amendment” - right to bear arms

“14th Amendment” due process clause- no state may deprive anyone of life, liberty or property.

Brown v Board of education

Many cases african americans were denied admission to some schools based on laws allowing seperation of race. It was argued that this violated the equal protection clause by the 14th amendment. The court ruled that the “seperate but equal” doctrine was not equal.

“14th amendment”- equal protection clause

Citizen United v Federal election commission

Citizens united created a film critical of hillary clinton, they wanted to also air ads but the bipartisan campaign reform act prohibited corporations from using their own money to make political advertising that names a candidate. The court found that the BCRA’s ban violated free speech

“First amendment” - free speech

Baker v Car

Baker claimed that tennesse reapportion efforts (the periodic distribution of seats in the house of reps based on population) were ignored significant economic grown and population shifts. The court ruled that unequal legislative representation due to malapportionment violated the 14th amendment.

“14th amendment” - equal protections clause

Shaw v Reno

North carolina was making unusually shaped majority black districts. North Carolina residents claim its only pirpose was to secure the election with additional black representation. The courts ruled race cannot be the primary basis for drawing electoral votes (segregating voters based on race)

“14th amendment” - equal protections clause- racial gerrymandering

Marbury v Madison

Jefferson beat addams in the 1800 election, addams wanted to keep control so he appointed midnight judges (judiciary act). Thomas jefferson and james madison refused william marburys commission. The court ruled that you cannot sue the court, establishing judicail review.

“Judicial review” - the courts can invalidate laws that conflict with the constitution