Supreme Court Cases

What is Marbury v. Madison?

Established judicial review, giving courts the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

What is McCulloch v. Maryland?

Federal Power, established implied powers of Congress and said states cannot interfere with valid federal actions.

What is Gibbons v. Ogden

Strengthened federal power over interstate commerce.

What is Dred Scott v. Sandford

Ruled that enslaved people were not U.S. citizens and could not sue in federal court. Later overturned by the 13th & 14th Amendments. Slavery / Citizenship

What is Plessy v. Ferguson

Upheld racial segregation under the idea of “separate but equal.” Segregation

What is Brown v. Board of Education

Ruled that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional. School segregation

What is Gideon v. Wainwright

Defendants who cannot afford an attorney have the right to a lawyer in serious criminal cases. Right to Attorney

What is Miranda v. Arizona

Police must inform suspects of their rights before custodial interrogation. “You have the right to remain silent”

What is Tinker v. Des Moines

Students have free speech rights at school, as long as it does not substantially disrupt school activities.

What is New York Times v. United States

Protected freedom of the press and limited the government's ability to use prior restraint. Freedom of Press

What is United States v. Nixon

President Nixon could not use executive privilege to withhold evidence in a criminal investigation. No one is above the law not even the president

What is Regents of the University of California v. Bakke

Racial quotas in college admissions were unconstitutional; race could be considered as one factor under the ruling at the time.

What is Texas v. Johnson

Flag burning is protected by the First Amendment as symbolic speech.

What is United States v. Lopez

Limited Congress's Commerce Clause power; Congress cannot use it to regulate every activity with a connection to commerce.

What is Bush v. Gore

Concerned the disputed 2000 presidential election recount in Florida.

What is District of Columbia v. Heller

Recognized an individual right to possess a firearm under the Second Amendment.

What is Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

Held that corporations and unions have First Amendment protections for certain independent political spending.