15 Landmark Supreme Court Cases

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Facts: This significant Supreme Court case arose when the state of Maryland attempted to tax the Second Bank of the United States, questioning the authority of federal institutions.

Establishment: The ruling established that Congress possesses implied powers through the Necessary and Proper Clause, asserting that states cannot impose taxes on federal entities.

Constitutional Issues: Article I, Section 8 (Necessary and Proper Clause) and Article VI (Supremacy Clause), reinforcing the dominance of federal law over state law.

U.S. v. Lopez (1995)

Facts: This pivotal case involved high school student Alfonso Lopez, who was charged under a federal law for carrying a concealed handgun in a school zone.

Establishment: The Supreme Court determined that the federal government overstepped its authority under the Commerce Clause, as the act of carrying a firearm in a school zone does not constitute economic activity affecting interstate commerce.

Constitutional Issues: Commerce Clause on congressional power.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Facts: This landmark case contested the constitutionality of New York State's law that encouraged voluntary prayer in public schools.

Establishment: The Supreme Court ruled that such practices violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, underscoring the separation of church and state.

Constitutional Issues: Establishment Clause of the First Amendment

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Facts: In this case, Amish parents challenged Wisconsin's compulsory schooling laws, arguing they infringed on their religious beliefs by requiring their children to attend school beyond the eighth grade.

Establishment: The Supreme Court ruled that these state laws must yield to the First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause, granting parents the right to educate their children according to their religious convictions.

Constitutional Issues: First Amendment = Free Exercise Clause

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Facts: This case arose after students wore black armbands to school as a protest against the Vietnam War and were subsequently suspended.

Establishment: The Supreme Court upheld that students retain their constitutional rights while at school, particularly their right to free expression.

Constitutional Issues: First Amendment (free speech)

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

Facts: This case involved the Nixon administration's attempt to prevent the publication of the Pentagon Papers, which contained classified information about the Vietnam War.

Establishment: The Supreme Court ruled that prior restraint is unconstitutional and that the government cannot restrict the press from publishing information unless there is a direct and immediate threat to national security.

Constitutional Issues: First Amendment (Freedom of the Press)

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Facts: Clarence Gideon, charged with a crime, could not afford an attorney and represented himself at trial. He petitioned the Supreme Court after being convicted.

Establishment: The Court ruled that the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel in state courts, mandating that states provide attorneys for defendants who cannot afford one.

Constitutional Issues: Fourteenth Amendment (Right to Privacy)

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Facts: This case challenged Chicago's handgun ban, with an individual asserting that it violated his Second Amendment rights.

Establishment: The Supreme Court determined that the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Constitutional Issues: Second Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment (Incorporation Doctrine)

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Facts: This historic case challenged the legality of racial segregation in public schools, stemming from the belief that segregated educational facilities were inherently unequal.

Establishment: The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional, stating that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.

Constitutional Issues: Fourteenth Amendment (Equal Protection Clause)

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

Facts: This case arose from a federal law restricting independent political expenditures by corporations and unions before elections.

Establishment: The Supreme Court held that these restrictions violate the First Amendment, asserting that corporations have a right to spend money in political campaign efforts.

(AKA: Corporations = people ⇒ people have free speech⇒ free speech = money ⇒ corporations spend money on commercials)

Constitutional Issues: First Amendment (Freedom of Speech)

Baker v. Carr (1961)

Facts: This case emerged from a challenge to the apportionment of Tennessee's legislative districts, which had not been redistricted since 1901.

Establishment: The Supreme Court ruled that legislative apportionment is justiciable and can be challenged in court, thus requiring states to adhere to principles of fair representation.

Constitutional Issues: Fourteenth Amendment (Equal Protection Clause)

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Facts: This case involved the challenge against North Carolina's congressional redistricting plan, which was implemented to enhance minority representation but resulted in oddly shaped districts.

Establishment: The Supreme Court ruled that racial gerrymandering violates the Equal Protection Clause, requiring that districting not be primarily based on race.

Constitutional Issues: Fourteenth Amendment (Equal Protection Clause)

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Facts: This foundational case arose when William Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus to compel Secretary of State James Madison to deliver his commission.

Establishment: The Supreme Court established the principle of judicial review, asserting its authority to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution.

Constitutional Issues: Article III (Judicial Review)

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Facts: Charles Schenck was charged with violating the Espionage Act for distributing leaflets urging draft resistance during WWI.

Establishment: The Supreme Court upheld that free speech could be limited during wartime when it poses a 'clear and present danger' to society.

(famously compared Schenck’s actions to falsely shouting “fire” in a crowded theater, emphasizing that the context of speech determines its protection.)

Constitutional Issues: First Amendment (Freedom of Speech)