Supreme court cases

Brown v. Board

ruled that segregation in public schools violates the 14th amendment, separate but equal doctrine is unconstitutional and violates the equal protection clause, overturned the doctrine

Plessy v. Ferguson

-ruled racial segregation did not violate the 14th amendment

-established “Separate but Equal” doctrine

Dred Scott v. Sanford

Ruled that people with African descent weren't U.S. citizens, slaves were property under the 5th Amendment, and the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional

Regents of University of California v. Bakke

university of california could not reserve spots just for minority students because it violates the Equal Protection Clause

Bush v. Gore

the use of different methods of counting votes in different counties violated the Equal Protection clause

Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission

the government cannot restrict independent expenditures for political campaigns from corporations, labor unions, and others

Engel v. Vitale

Public school prayer and its recitation is unconstitutional because it violates freedom of religion

West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette

Ruled that the First Amendment protects students from being forced to salute the flag in school and recite the Pledge of Allegiance (freedom of speech)

Texas v. Johnson

burning the American flag is protected by the first amendment as it is symbolic speech

Tinker v. Des Moines

a public school could not punish a student for peaceful protest if it did not interfere with school discipline

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier

school administrators can limit the freedom of speech of students if its related to legitimate concerns

D.C v. Heller

The 2nd amendment allows for firearms in the home for the purpose of self-defense. ruled that a ban on handguns was unconstitutional

Mapp V. Ohio

Evidence obtained unconstitutionally cannot be used in court because it violates the 4th amendment

New Jersey v. T.L.O

ruled that schools are able to conduct searches because there is more reasonableness

Miranda v. Arizona

Cops must tell you your rights before questioning you or they can't use what you say in court

Gideon v, Wainwright

states must provide attorneys to criminal defendants who are unable to afford their own (public defenders offices created)

Roe v. Wade

a woman has liberty to choose to have an abortion

Korematsu v. United States

Internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII does not violate 14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause

Marbury v. Madison

Established the concept of judicial review, the ability of federal courts to declare legislative and executive actions unconstitutional, Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land.

Gibbons v. Ogden

only Congress can regulate interstate commerce and that state laws cannot interfere with this power (commerce clause)

McCulloch v. Maryland

ruled that states cannot tax the federal government because Congress has implied powers (necessary and proper clause)

United States v. Nixon

The Court ordered President Nixon to deliver tape recordings and subpoenaed materials to a federal district court, the president is not above the law