Court Cases

McCulloch v. Maryland

Established federal supremacy over the states and confirmed the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Gibbons v. Ogden

Strengthened federal power over interstate commerce by ruling that only Congress can regulate trade between states.

U.S. v. Lopez

Limited Congress’s use of the Commerce Clause by ruling that gun possession near schools doesn’t significantly affect interstate commerce.

Gonzales v. Raich

Expanded Congress's power under the Commerce Clause, allowing regulation of locally grown marijuana even if legal under state law.

Barron v. Baltimore

Ruled that the Bill of Rights only applied to the federal government, not the states.

Brandenburg v. Ohio

Strengthened free speech by ruling that the government can’t punish inflammatory speech unless it directly incites imminent lawless action.

Roe v. Wade

Legalized abortion nationwide, citing a woman’s right to privacy under the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause.

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization

Overturned Roe v. Wade, ruling that abortion rights should be decided by states.

Plessy v. Ferguson

Upheld racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

Brown v. Board of Education

Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, declaring segregation in public schools unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause.