Major Supreme Court Cases and Their Constitutional Implications

This set of flashcards covers major Supreme Court cases and their associated constitutional clauses, providing definitions and explanations for key legal concepts.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Ruled that school sponsorship of religious activities violates the Establishment Clause.

Establishment Clause

Part of the First Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing a religion.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Held that compelling Amish students to attend school past the eighth grade violates the Free Exercise Clause.

Free Exercise Clause

Part of the First Amendment that protects the right to practice one's religion freely.

Tinker v. Des Moines ISD (1969)

Ruled that public school students have the right to wear black armbands to protest the Vietnam War.

Free Speech Clause

Part of the First Amendment that protects the right to express oneself.

Schenck v. US (1919)

Established that speech creating a 'clear and present danger' is not protected by the First Amendment.

Clear and Present Danger Test

A doctrine used to determine under what circumstances limits can be placed on First Amendment freedoms.

New York Times v. US (1971)

Strengthened freedom of the press, establishing that prior restraint is presumed unconstitutional.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Guaranteed the right to an attorney for the poor or indigent in state felony cases.

Due Process Clause

Part of the Fourteenth Amendment that guarantees fair treatment through the normal judicial system.

Brown v. Board of Ed. (1954)

Ruled that race-based school segregation is inherently unequal and violates the Equal Protection Clause.

Equal Protection Clause

Part of the Fourteenth Amendment that requires states to provide equal protection under the law to all people.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Held that the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms for self-defense is applicable to the states.

Second Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights that protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.