apush court cases

Marshall Court 1801 -1835

Federalists appointed by John Adams (one of the “Midnight Judges”) - very nationalist minded.

Marbury v. Madison 1803

The court was established as the arbiter of the Constitution (the principle of judicial review). The court had (and still has) the power to determine if laws are in accordance with the Constitution.

Fletcher v. Peck 1810

When the Georgi

McCulloch v. Maryland 1819

National laws were given precedence over state laws. The Court ruled that a state tax on the Second Bank of the United States was unconstitutional (“the power to tax is the power to destr

Dartmouth College v. Woodward 1819

Established the sanctity of contracts. New Hampshire had attempted to take over Dartmouth College by revising its colonial charter. The Court rules that the charter was protected under the contract clause of the Constitution.

Gibbons v. Ogden 1824

The court clarified the commerce clause, affirming Congressional power over interstate commerce by overturning a New York state law that gave a monopoly of Hudson River ferry service to one company.

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia 1831

Ruled that a state could not seize lands without the consent of the “domestic dependent nation”. Georgia and President Andrew Jackson ignored this case.

Taney Court 1835-1861

Jacksonian Democrats did all they could to overturn Marshall Court Decisions.

Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge 1837

Ruling that the interests of the community are more important than corporate rights. A pro-states’ rights decision.

Dred Scott v. Sanford 1857

A test case promoted by anti-slavery groups. Dred Scott, a slave, was declared property and not a citizen and there

Ex parte Merryman 1861

Ruled that Abraham Lincoln had acted uncon

Ex parte Milligan 1866

The Court struck down wartime convictions of a civilian by a military tribunal

Texas v. White 1869

Ruled in favor of President Andrew Johnson in dealing with Reconstruction as the Court ruled that the Union was "indestructible.” The Radial Republicans in Congress ignored the ruling.

Plessy v. Ferguson 1869

Declared that “separate but equal” facilities for the different races was constitutional.

Muller v. Oregon 1908

Upheld Oregon law that allowed the limitation of working hours for women.

Schenk v. US 1919

Stated that freedom of speech and of the press could be limited if a “clear and present danger” existed. This case was in reaction to the Sedition and Espionage Acts that were passed as a result of America’s involvement in the Great War.

Schechter v. US 1935

The “Sick Chicken Case” - this ruled that the National Industrial-Recovery Act was inconst

Brown v. Board of Education 1954

A unanimous decision of the Court that said the segregation of blacks and whites in public schools was declared unconstitutional. The decision reversed the 1896 decision Plessy v. Ferguson.

Engel v. Vitale 1962

Outlawed state led prayers in public schools and eventually other public events.

Baker v. Carr 1962

Established one-man one-vote rule.

Gideon v. Wainwright 1963

Established that persons who could not afford counsel must be appointed one by the state.

Miranda v. Arizona 1966

The Court ruled that, under the guarantee of due process, suspects in custody, before being questioned, must be informed of their constitutional rights.

Roe v. Wade 1973

Rule in favor of a patient’s r

Regents of California v. Bakke 1978