Court Cases

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Established federal supremacy over the states and confirmed the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Strengthened federal power over interstate commerce, ruling that only Congress can regulate trade between states.

U.S. v. Lopez (1995)

Limited Congress’s use of the Commerce Clause by striking down the Gun-Free School Zones Act.

Gonzales v. Raich (2005)

Expanded Congress's power under the Commerce Clause, ruling that the federal government can regulate locally grown marijuana.

Barron v. Baltimore (1833)

Ruled that the Bill of Rights only applied to the federal government, not the states.

Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)

Strengthened free speech; government cannot punish inflammatory speech unless it incites imminent lawless action.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Legalized abortion nationwide, citing a woman’s right to privacy under the 14th Amendment.

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

Overturned Roe v. Wade, ruling that abortion rights should be decided by states.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Upheld racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, declaring segregation in public schools unconstitutional.