Court Cases

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) – Established federal supremacy over the states and confirmed the Necessary and Proper Clause, allowing Congress to create a national bank.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) – Strengthened federal power over interstate commerce by ruling that only Congress (not states) 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, ruling that gun possession near schools doesn’t significantly affect interstate commerce.

Gonzales v. Raich (2005) – Expanded Congress's power under the Commerce Clause, ruling that the federal government can regulate locally grown marijuana even if it’s legal under state law.

Barron v. Baltimore (1833) – Ruled that the Bill of Rights only applied to the federal government, not the states (later changed by the 14th Amendment and incorporation doctrine).

Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969) – Strengthened free speech by ruling that the government can’t punish inflammatory speech unless it directly incites imminent lawless action.

Roe v. Wade (1973) – Legalized abortion nationwide, citing a woman’s right to privacy under the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause.

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) – Overturned Roe v. Wade, ruling that abortion rights should be decided by states, not the federal government.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) – Upheld racial segregation under the “separate but equal” doctrine, justifying Jim Crow laws.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954) – Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, declaring segregation in public schools unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.