American Guide Cases

Shreveport Case (1914)

We are not regulating intra-state commerce, we are regulating interstate commerce, because what is happening inside of the state is effecting the trade outside, expanded to commerce clause

NLRB v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp. (1937)

Because the commodities were exported to other states, Labor relations was indirectly related to interstate commerce via the manufacturing process.

Wickard v. Filburn (1942)

The Court maintained that Congress' power extends even to intrastate commerce if interstate commerce could be affected by it. Also stated that individual non-activity in the marketplace is actionable if that activity could have a substantial effect on interstate commerce.

New York Times v. Sullivan (1964)

For the suing to go through public figures have to prove that what they said isn't true, they know it isn't true, and the printed accusations cant have malice specifically against the accused.

New York Times v. US

Supreme court sided with the New York Times saying that although it was embarrassing, it didn't show any threat to United States security so the Pentagon Papers could be published.

Weeks v. U.S. (1914)

Established exclusionary rule, evidence gotten without a warrant isn't admissible in a federal court

Wolf v. Colorado (1949)

Claims there was an unreasonable search and seizure, and the court agrees, however this didn't apply the exclusionary rule.

Mapp v. Ohio (1961)

There was an unreasonable search and seizure and from this point on the exclusionary rule was included in the states.

Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)

Established that there is an implied right to privacy in the U.S. Constitution

Roe v. Wade (1973)

The court legalized abortion by ruling that state laws could not restrict it during the first three months of pregnancy. Based on 4th Amendment rights of a person to be secure in their persons.

Webster v. Reproductive Health Services (1989)

The Supreme Court agreed with Missouri and said that laws are ok as long as they aren't overly burdensome.

Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992)

Supreme Court upheld most of Pennsylvania's laws which made abortion more difficult including 24 waiting period after signing up for abortion.

Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022)

Roe v. Wade is overturned

Furman v. Georgia (1972)

New and improved death penalty laws were beginning to be drafted.

Gregg v. Georgia (1976)

Tightened death penalty rules, after jury decided guilty new jury would decide punishment, death penalty needs to be unanimous decision, judges have ultimate decision but it can be immediately appealed.

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Introduction of Miranda rights against selective incorporation and right against self-incrimination

Civil Right Act of 1875

Made it a crime to deny any person "full and equal enjoyment" or inns, restaurants, transportation, etc.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Separate but equal

Sweatt v. Painter (1950)

Even if there are two schools which are carbon copies you have to consider the intangibles such as reputation

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

In the field of public education the doctrine of separate but equal had no place, separate educational facilities are inherently unequal

Brown II (1955)

court case that ruled desegregation would move forward "with all deliberate speed"

Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education (1971)

Says that De Facto Segregation is just as bad as De Jure, court orders bussing between districts, causing white flight to the suburbs

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

Same sex couples guaranteed right to marry under 14th amendment due process and equal protection clauses

Powell v. Alabama (1932)

They have to provide adequate council in capital cases if they want to take your life (a lawyer)

Betts v. Brady (1942)

You are provided a lawyer in special non-capital cases

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

guaranteeing the right to legal counsel for criminal defendants in federal and state courts

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Greatly expanded the power of the Supreme Court by establishing its right to overturn acts of Congress, introducing judicial review.

Morrill Act (1862)

Land grants to states with strings attached, provided federal funds from the sale of public land to establish an endowment fund for land-grant colleges of agriculture and mechanical arts.

Katzenbach v. McClung (1964)

Landmark decision of the US Supreme Court which unanimously held that congress acted withing its power under the commerce clause of the US constitution in forbidding racial discrimination in restaurants as this was a burden to interstate commerce.