Landmark Court Cases

Korematsu v. US

The Supreme Court ruled that the federal government had the authority to relocate Japanese Americans as a necessary response to Pearl Harbor.

Bethel SD v. Fraser

The Supreme Court ruled that school officials did not violate a student’s free speech and due process rights when they disciplined him for a lewd speech.

Miranda v. Arizona

The Supreme Court held that a person cannot be held in police custody unless informed of their specific rights.

Reed v. Reed

The Supreme Court held that a state law discriminating against women was unconstitutional.

Hazelwood SD v. Kuhlmeier

The Supreme Court overturned a state court's decision that upheld the principal's removal of articles from a school newspaper.

Brown v. Board (BOE)

The Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools violates the Equal Protection Clause.

Gideon v. Wainwright

The Court ruled that poor defendants in criminal cases have the right to a state-paid attorney.

New York Times (NYT) v. US

The Supreme Court upheld the doctrine of prior restraint, protecting the press from government blockades on publication.

Marbury v. Madison

The Supreme Court established that it has the final authority on Constitutional interpretation, known as Judicial Review.

Mapp v. Ohio

The Supreme Court determined that evidence obtained through an unlawful search is inadmissible.

Plessy v. Ferguson

This decision upheld the separate-but-equal doctrine used to perpetuate segregation.

Schenck v. US

Ruled that First Amendment freedom of speech could be restricted if it poses a clear and present danger.

Furman v. Georgia

The decision halted the death penalty in 39 states due to inadequate jury guidance.

Regents of UCA v. Bakke

The Court established race as a permissible criterion in admissions but limited rigid racial quotas.

TX v. Johnson & US v. Eichman

Two Supreme Court cases that protected flag burning as expressive speech under the First Amendment.

US v. Nixon

The Supreme Court held that only presidential communications related to official duties are confidential.

Klopfer v. NC

Ruled that speedy and fair trials are required in state and federal courts.

Dred Scott v. Sandford

The Court ruled that enslaved African Americans were property and not entitled to rights.

Brandenburg v. Ohio

Expanded the scope of political speech unless linked to immediate lawless behavior.

New Jersey (NJ) v. TLO

The Supreme Court established more lenient standards for reasonable in-school searches.

Tinker v. Des Moines ICSD (Des Moines)

The Supreme Court ruled that students could not be suspended for wearing black armbands in protest.

Roe v. Wade

The Supreme Court established a constitutional right for women to choose to terminate a pregnancy.

Bush v. Gore

The Court ruled that the manual recount violated the Constitution due to lack of uniform standards.

Engel v. Vitale

The Supreme Court ruled that starting a public school day with prayer is unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Established the supremacy of the U.S. Constitution and federal laws over state laws.

Obergefell v. Hodges

Held that the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees the right to marry for same-sex couples.

Loving v. Virginia

Ruled that laws banning interracial marriage violate the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses.

Dobbs v. Jackson WHO

The Court held that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion, overturning Roe v. Wade.

Citizens United v. FEC

A controversial decision allowing unlimited corporate spending on elections.

Vernonia SD v. Acton

Ruled that students could be subjected to drug testing to participate in school events.