landmark supreme court cases

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

This landmark case established the principle of judicial review, which grants the Supreme Court the authority to review and invalidate

laws or actions that are found to be unconstitutional. Chief Justice John Marshall›s decision solidified the Court›s role as the ultimate

interpreter of the Constitution.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

In this case, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the establishment of a national bank and affirmed the principle of implied

powers. The decision clarified that Congress has the authority to take actions not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, as long as they

are necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers.

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

This controversial decision denied citizenship to African Americans, stating that they were not considered citizens and had no rights

under the Constitution. The ruling also declared that Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories, further exacerbating tensions

between the North and South over the issue of slavery.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

established the «separate but equal» doctrine, which allowed racial segregation in

public facilities as long as they were deemed equal. This decision upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation and was eventually

overturned by Brown v. Board of Education.

Schenck v. U.S. (1919)

In this case, the Court ruled that free speech could be limited when it presents a «clear and present danger» to the government or society.

The decision set a precedent for evaluating limitations on speech during times of war or national security concerns.

Korematsu v. United States (1944)

This case upheld the constitutionality of the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The decision

was widely criticized and has since been discredited for its violation of civil liberties and equal protection rights.

Brown v. Board (1954)

In this landmark case, the Supreme Court overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

The unanimous decision marked a significant step in the civil rights movement and aimed to desegregate schools nationwide.

Mapp v. Ohio (1961)

This case established the exclusionary rule, which prohibits the use of evidence obtained illegally in criminal trials. The decision

strengthened Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

In this case, the Court ruled that federal courts could intervene in cases involving alleged gerrymandering, ensuring more equal

representation in state legislative districts. The decision marked a significant development in protecting the principle of “one person, one

vote.”

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

The Supreme Court held that prayer sponsored by the government in public schools violated the First Amendment’s establishment clause,

which prohibits the government from endorsing or promoting religion.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

In this case, the Court established that the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel for criminal defendants in state courts. This

decision ensured that individuals who cannot afford an attorney would be provided with one.

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

The Court ruled that individuals in police custody must be informed of their rights before being interrogated, leading to the creation of

the Miranda warning. This decision protected the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

This case affirmed that students’ First Amendment rights are protected in public schools. The Court held that students’ right to free

speech could not be restricted unless it significantly disrupted the school’s operations.

New York Times v. United States (1971)

The Court ruled in favor of the New York Times and the Washington Post, asserting the right of newspapers to publish classified

information (Pentagon Papers) without prior restraint from the government. This decision upheld First Amendment protections for

freedom of the press

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

The Court held that the state’s interest in compulsory education did not outweigh the Amish parents’ First Amendment right to freedom

of religion. This decision allowed the Amish to remove their children from public schools after the eighth grade.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

This landmark case recognized a woman›s constitutional right to have an abortion under the right to privacy implied in the Fourteenth

Amendment. The decision established a woman›s right to choose abortion during the first trimester.

United States v. Nixon (1974)

The Court unanimously ruled against President Richard Nixon, holding that executive privilege did not allow him to withhold evidence

during the Watergate investigation. This decision reaffirmed the principle of checks and balances and the rule of law.

Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978)

The Court ruled that affirmative action programs in college admissions were constitutional but could not use racial quotas. The decision allowed

considering race as one factor among others to achieve diversity.

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988)

The Court held that school officials could censor student speech in school-sponsored activities like student newspapers, as long as the censorship is

reasonably related to educational concerns

Texas v. Johnson (1989)

The Court ruled that flag burning as a form of protest is protected by the First Amendment as expressive speech. The decision upheld an individual›s

right to engage in symbolic speech.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

The Court held that racial gerrymandering, redrawing electoral districts to favor a particular race, was unconstitutional under the Equal

Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

U.S. v. Lopez (1995)

The Court struck down a federal law (Gun-Free School Zones Act) on the grounds that it exceeded Congress›s power under the

Commerce Clause. This decision reaffirmed the importance of federalism and limited federal authority.

Bush v. Gore (2000)

In a controversial ruling, the Court effectively ended the Florida recount in the 2000 presidential election, leading to George W. Bush›s

victory. The decision was based on equal protection concerns regarding the inconsistent recounting methods.

District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)

The Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to possess firearms for self-defense within the home, affirming

an individual rights interpretation of the Amendment.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

This case extended the individual right to bear arms, recognized in Heller, to state and local governments, ensuring that they could not

infringe on this right.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

The Court ruled that political spending by corporations and unions, including for independent electioneering communications, is

protected as free speech under the First Amendment. This decision led to increased campaign spending by outside groups.