Civil Liberties andd Civil Rights - Major Court Cases

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Ruling: The Court upheld Schenck’s conviction, ruling that speech creating a “clear and present danger” is not protected.
Amendment: First Amendment (Freedom of Speech)

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Ruling: The Court ruled that the Second Amendment right to bear arms applies to state and local governments through the 14th Amendment.
Amendments: Second Amendment; 14th Amendment (Selective Incorporation)

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Ruling: The Court unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional.
Amendment: 14th Amendment (Equal Protection Clause)

New York Times v. United States (1971)

Ruling: The Court allowed publication of the Pentagon Papers; prior restraint was unconstitutional.
Amendment: First Amendment (Freedom of the Press)

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Ruling: The Court ruled that states must provide an attorney to defendants who cannot afford one.
Amendments: Sixth Amendment (Right to Counsel); 14th Amendment (Incorporation)

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Ruling: The Court ruled that forcing Amish children to attend school past 8th grade violated their religious freedom.
Amendment: First Amendment (Free Exercise Clause)

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Ruling: The Court ruled that a woman’s right to privacy includes the right to choose an abortion.
Amendment: 14th Amendment (Due Process Clause – Right to Privacy)

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Ruling: The Court ruled that state-sponsored prayer in public schools is unconstitutional.
Amendment: First Amendment (Establishment Clause)

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Ruling: The Court ruled that students do not lose their First Amendment rights at school; symbolic speech is protected if not disruptive.
Amendment: First Amendment (Freedom of Speech)