Supreme Court Cases

Which Supreme Court case ruled that students wearing black armbands to protest the Vietnam War at school was protected speech under the First Amendment?

In Tinker v. Des Moines, the Court said students don’t lose their rights at the schoolhouse gate—peaceful protest is allowed if it doesn't disrupt class.

In what Supreme Court case did the Court rule that burning the American flag is protected speech under the First Amendment?

In Texas v. Johnson, the Court said symbolic speech like flag burning is still free speech—even if it offends people.

Which case upheld that speech can be limited if it presents a “clear and present danger,” like urging people to dodge the draft in wartime?

In Schenck v. U.S., the Court said rights can be restricted in times of national danger—freedom of speech isn't unlimited.

Which case gave school officials the right to censor school-sponsored student newspapers?

In Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, the Court ruled that schools can limit content that doesn’t match their educational mission.

What case banned official school-led prayer in public schools, even if it was non-denominational?

Engel v. Vitale ruled this violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Which case struck down a law allowing a moment of silence for prayer in schools?

In Wallace v. Jaffree, the Court said it was an attempt to promote religion, and that's a no-go under the Constitution.

What case created a three-part test to decide if laws involving religion are constitutional?

In Lemon v. Kurtzman, the Court said government actions must have a secular purpose, not advance/inhibit religion, and avoid excessive entanglement with religion.

Which case ruled that evidence found during an illegal search and seizure can’t be used in court?

In Mapp v. Ohio, the Court applied the Exclusionary Rule to the states—bye-bye illegal evidence!

In what case did the Court require that suspects be informed of their rights before being questioned?

Miranda v. Arizona established that people must know their 5th and 6th Amendment rights (Miranda Rights)

Which case ruled that the state must provide a lawyer to defendants who can’t afford one?

In Gideon v. Wainwright, the Court said it’s a 6th Amendment right—fair trials for all!

In which case did the Supreme Court say enslaved people were property and couldn’t sue in court?

In Dred Scott v. Sanford, the Court basically said Black people weren’t citizens—one of the worst rulings in history.

Which case declared racial segregation legal under the “separate but equal” doctrine?

Plessy v. Ferguson upheld segregation laws—until it got flipped later.

What case overturned “separate but equal” and said school segregation is unconstitutional?

In Brown v. Board of Education, the Court ruled that separate schools for Black and white students are inherently unequal.

Which case ruled that racial quotas in college admissions are unconstitutional but race can be one factor?

Regents of the University of California v. Bakke struck down rigid quotas but allowed race to be considered.