MARBURY V. MADISON (1803

In deciding this case about judicial appointments, the court established the principle of judicial review, empowering the Supreme Court to declare an act of the legislative or executive branch unconstitutional.

SCOTUS

Supreme Court of the United States.

Facts

The relevant events of a case that occurred before courts became involved.

Issue

A legal or Constitutional question the court considers in a case.

Holding

The court’s response to the issue being considered in a case.

Reasoning

The court’s explanation of a holding.

Decision

The outcome of a case that includes a discussion of the facts, issue, holding, and reasoning.

Opinion

An analysis of the court’s decision written by the justices.

Judicial Review

The principle established in Marbury v. Madison (1803) that empowers the Supreme Court to declare legislative or executive acts unconstitutional.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that the U.S. Constitution and federal laws take precedence over state laws.

Equal Protection Clause

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

First Amendment

Guarantees freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Second Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

Fourth Amendment

Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment

Establishes the rights of individuals in criminal cases, including protection against double jeopardy and self-incrimination.

Sixth Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy, public, and impartial trial by an impartial jury.

Eighth Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.

Fourteenth Amendment

Provides for due process and equal protection under the law.

Fifteenth Amendment

Prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Nineteenth Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

Free Exercise Clause

Protects the rights of individuals to practice their religion freely.

Interstate Commerce Clause

Gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Also known as the Elastic Clause, it grants Congress the power to create laws required to carry out its enumerated powers.

Voting Rights Act of 1964

A landmark piece of federal legislation in the United States that prohibits racial discrimination in voting.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life.

Miranda Rights

The rights that must be read to a suspect upon arrest, originating from the Miranda v. Arizona case.

Lemon Test

A three-pronged test to determine if a law violates the Establishment Clause.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Extended the right to an attorney to felony defendants in state courts.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

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

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Declared that race-based school segregation violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Texas v. Johnson (1989)

Held that flag burning is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Established a woman's legal right to have an abortion during the first trimester.