SCOTUS Cases (Heimler)

Baker v. Carr, 1961

Established the “one person, one vote” principle, requiring voting districts to be redrawn based on population, and ensuring equal representation by preventing malapportionment in districts.

Brown v. Board of Education, 1954

Used the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause to declare racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning 'separate but equal' and leading to the desegregation of schools.

Citizens United v. FEC, 2010

Established that corporations have the same First Amendment rights as individuals, including freedom of speech, and ruled that government restrictions on corporate spending for political campaigns were unconstitutional.

Engel v. Vitale, 1962

Prohibited schools from compelling students to engage in prayer, safeguarding the separation of church and state and respecting religious autonomy, reinforcing the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963

Incorporated the Sixth Amendment’s right to counsel, requiring states to provide legal representation to indigent defendants and ensuring fair trials by guaranteeing access to legal assistance.

Marbury v. Madison, 1803

Established the Supreme Court’s power of judicial review, enabling the Court to declare laws unconstitutional and ensuring the judiciary can limit the power of the other branches of government.

McCulloch v. Maryland, 1819

Expanded federal power and upheld federal supremacy through a broad interpretation of the Necessary and Proper Clause and the Supremacy Clause, asserting that states cannot tax the federal government.

McDonald v. Chicago, 2010

Incorporated the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms, prohibiting state and local governments from infringing on individuals’ gun ownership rights and affirming the right to self-defense as a state-applicable fundamental right.

New York Times v. United States, 1971

Upholds the freedom of the press; restricts government's power of prior restraint, emphasizing the importance of a free press in holding the government accountable.

Roe v. Wade, 1973

The Court recognized a woman's right to an abortion based on the right to privacy, but also set up a trimester framework, granting states more regulatory power as the pregnancy advanced.

Schenck v. United States, 1919

Established the 'clear and present danger' test, allowing speech restriction if it poses a threat to national security, especially during wartime, clarifying free speech limits during national emergencies.

Shaw v. Reno, 1993

Ruled that gerrymandered districts based solely on race were unconstitutional, emphasizing the need to avoid racial considerations in redistricting, and promoted fairness and equality in voting.

Tinker v. Des Moines, 1969

Protected students’ right to express themselves unless it causes substantial disruption or violates others' rights, affirming that students don't shed constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate.

United States v. Lopez, 1995

Limited federal power, emphasizing state authority. Congress overstepped its authority via the Commerce Clause by regulating guns in school zones, this case is about balance of power.

Wisconsin v. Yoder, 1972

Upheld Amish parents' right to withdraw children from public school for religious reasons, protecting free exercise under the First Amendment, ensuring individuals can practice beliefs without government interference.