Key Supreme Court Cases and Constitutional Principles

Flashcards covering key Supreme Court cases and their constitutional principles regarding rights and liberties.

Gideon vs Wainwright

Established that the 6th amendment guarantees defendants the right to counsel in state courts.

Schenck vs U.S.

Determined that speech may be limited if it poses a clear and present danger, thus not protected by the 1st amendment.

Tinker vs Des Moines

Ruled that students have the right to wear armbands as a form of speech under the 1st amendment.

United States vs Lopez

Decided that carrying a gun in a school zone is not an economic activity under the Commerce Clause, a win for states rights.

McCulloch vs Maryland

Established Congress's authority to create a national bank under the elastic clause and reinforced states' rights under the 10th amendment.

Engel vs Vitale

Ruled that recitation of a prayer in public schools violates the Establishment Clause of the 1st amendment.

Baker vs Carr

Affirmed that federal courts have the power to decide cases regarding population apportionment in state legislative districts, emphasizing the equal protection clause.

Wisconsin vs Yoder

Determined that the state's interest in compulsory education cannot override parents' 1st amendment right to free exercise of religion for the Amish.

Brown v Board of Education

Ruled that segregation in public schools violates the Equal Protection clause of the 14th amendment.

Citizens United vs FEC

Established that limiting political spending by corporations and unions violates the 1st amendment's guarantee of free speech.

Shaw vs Reno

Held that racial classifications in redistricting raise valid constitutional issues under the 14th amendment's Equal Protection clause.

Marbury vs Madison

Established the principle of judicial review, allowing federal courts to determine the constitutionality of laws.

McDonald v Chicago

Held that the 2nd amendment right to bear arms applies to state and local governments through the 14th amendment.

Roe vs Wade

Involved the right to privacy under the 4th, 9th, and 14th amendments regarding a woman's right to choose to have an abortion.