Key Supreme Court Cases and Constitutional Amendments

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)

1st Amendment - Freedom of Speech: Established that public school students have free speech rights, as long as it does not cause substantial disruption.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

1st Amendment - Freedom of Speech: Limited free speech during wartime if it posed a national security threat.

Mapp v. Ohio (1961)

4th Amendment - Protection against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures: Strengthened 4th Amendment protections and applied them to the states through the 14th Amendment.

Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)

9th Amendment - Right to Privacy (Implied): This case laid the foundation for Roe v. Wade.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

6th Amendment - Right to Counsel: Strengthened the right to a fair trial by applying the 6th Amendment to the states through the 14th Amendment.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

2nd Amendment - Right to Bear Arms: Strengthened individual gun rights and applied them to the states.

Ruling

The Court ruled in Gideon's favor, requiring states to provide legal counsel to defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford an attorney.

Significance

Strengthened the right to a fair trial by applying the 6th Amendment to the states through the 14th Amendment.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

The Court struck down the ban, ruling that the 2nd Amendment applies to state and local governments through the 14th Amendment.

Amendment Applied (McDonald v. Chicago)

2nd Amendment - Right to Bear Arms.

Background (McDonald v. Chicago)

Chicago had strict handgun bans, preventing residents like Otis McDonald from owning one for self-defense.

Significance (McDonald v. Chicago)

Strengthened individual gun rights and applied them to the states.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

The Court ruled that school-sponsored prayer, even if voluntary, is unconstitutional.

Amendment Applied (Engel v. Vitale)

1st Amendment - Establishment Clause (Freedom of Religion).

Background (Engel v. Vitale)

A New York public school encouraged a voluntary, non-denominational prayer.

Significance (Engel v. Vitale)

Strengthened the separation of church and state under the Establishment Clause.

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

The Court ruled that suspects must be informed of their rights before being questioned (now known as Miranda rights).

Amendment Applied (Miranda v. Arizona)

5th and 6th Amendments - Self-Incrimination and Right to Counsel.

Background (Miranda v. Arizona)

Ernesto Miranda confessed to a crime without being informed of his rights.

Significance (Miranda v. Arizona)

Established the Miranda warning: Right to remain silent, Anything you say can be used against you, Right to an attorney, If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided.

Amendment 4

Protects people from being searched or having their property seized without a warrant or probable cause.

Key points (Amendment 4)

Law enforcement needs a warrant (based on probable cause) to search private property. Protects personal privacy and prevents arbitrary government intrusions.

Amendment 5

Provides several legal protections for individuals accused of crimes.

Key points (Amendment 5)

Double jeopardy: You cannot be tried twice for the same crime. Self-incrimination: You have the right to remain silent (the 'right to plead the Fifth'). Due process: Guarantees fair treatment through the legal system. Eminent domain: The government can't take private property for public use without fair compensation.

Amendment 6

Guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial.

Key points (Amendment 6)

Right to a public trial by an impartial jury. Right to be informed of the charges against you. Right to legal counsel (a lawyer). Right to confront witnesses against you and call witnesses in your favor.

Amendment 7

Ensures the right to a jury trial in civil cases involving disputes over property or money (if the value exceeds $20).

Key points (Amendment 7)

Applies to non-criminal cases (e.g., lawsuits over contracts or property). Jury decisions cannot be overturned by a judge unless legal errors are made.

Amendment 8

Protects against excessive bail, fines, and cruel or unusual punishment.

Key points (Amendment 8)

Prevents inhumane treatment of prisoners. Ensures punishments are proportionate to the crime. Limits excessive bail or fines.

Amendment 10

Any powers not specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states or the people.

Key points (Amendment 10)

Limits the power of the federal government. Preserves state sovereignty over certain issues (e.g., education, marriage laws).

Amendment 16

Gives Congress the power to collect income taxes from individuals and businesses.

Key points (Amendment 16)

Prior to this amendment, taxes were mainly collected through tariffs and indirect means. Allows the government to tax personal income directly.

Amendment 26

Lowers the voting age from 21 to 18 years old.

Key points (Amendment 26)

Passed during the Vietnam War, as young people argued that if they were old enough to be drafted, they should be able to vote. Expands voting rights to more citizens.