SCOTUS Cases Review Flashcards
McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010)
This case involves the 14th Amendment's due process clause and the 2nd Amendment.
McDonald wanted to buy a gun for protection in his area but was denied due to Chicago's ban on gun licenses.
The Supreme Court incorporated the 2nd Amendment, ruling that the right to bear arms applies to the states and local governments.
Shaw v. Reno (1993)
This case concerns the Equal Protection Clause.
North Carolina was required to add an additional black district, leading to a challenge based on racial gerrymandering.
The holding was that racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional.
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Deals with the Equal Protection Clause.
Black students were denied admission to public schools based on race.
The Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation of public schools is unconstitutional.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (FEC) (2010)
Involves the Free Speech Clause of the 1st Amendment.
The FEC prevented Citizens United, a conservative non-profit organization, from showing an anti-Hillary Clinton movie.
The ruling stated that independent political spending cannot be limited, as corporations count as people and have the freedom to express themselves.
This decision led to the rise of SuperPACs.
Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)
Concerns the First Amendment right to free speech.
Students were suspended for wearing armbands in protest of the Vietnam War because the school administration claimed it caused a "distraction".
The Supreme Court held that symbolic speech/expression is protected in public schools as long as it doesn’t disrupt the educational environment.
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
Involves the 6th Amendment right to an attorney and the 14th Amendment's due process clause.
Wainwright broke into a bar, stole a bottle of soda, and was arrested. He could not afford an attorney and wasn’t appointed one during his trial.
The Supreme Court ruled that states must provide attorneys for those who cannot afford one, incorporating the 6th Amendment right.
Baker v. Carr (1962)
Dealt with redistricting and reapportionment of states, specifically concerning whether the drawing of state electoral lines violates the Equal Protection Clause and the Fourteenth Amendment.
The case originated from Tennessee, where a citizen claimed that the state's district lines were outdated and unfair.
The Supreme Court determined that legislative apportionment was justiciable, meaning it could be heard by federal courts, particularly since it relates to the Fourteenth Amendment (one person, one vote).
New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)
Concerns the First Amendment: Freedom of the Press.
The Pentagon Papers, detailed documents explaining the U.S.’s involvement in the Vietnam War, were leaked. The New York Times tried to publish them, but the federal government tried to prevent it.
The Supreme Court ruled that the federal government could not stop the New York Times from publishing the Pentagon Papers, establishing a heavy presumption against prior restraint.
Schenck v. United States (1919)
Deals with Free Speech under the First Amendment.
Schenck was distributing anti-draft flyers to convince people not to join the draft.
The Court ruled against Schenck, stating that his actions were not protected due to it being a national issue.
Established the "clear and present danger" test.
Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)
This case involves the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.
The Yoder family argued that their religion teaches children learn more through helping at home rather than going to school, opposing compulsory school attendance for their children.
The Supreme Court sided with the Yoder family, asserting that the government cannot prohibit religious practices, even concerning school attendance.
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
This case concerns the First Amendment, specifically the freedom of religion and the Establishment Clause.
A public school held VOLUNTARY prayer during class in school hours.
The Supreme Court ruled against school-sponsored prayer, reinforcing the separation of church and state.
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Established judicial review.
John Marshall promised Marbury a political position when he became president, but he never delivered the job.
Marbury should have gotten the job, but the Supreme Court doesn’t have the power to give it to him.
United States v. Lopez (1995)
Concerns the Commerce Clause.
Lopez brought a gun to school and was charged under federal law. He claimed the charge was unconstitutional because the federal government was not meant to regulate local activities under the Commerce Clause.
The Supreme Court found it unconstitutional to bring a gun to school under the Commerce Clause.
It limited federal power by asserting that regulating guns in schools was a far stretch of the Commerce Clause.
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
Involves the Supremacy Clause and the Necessary and Proper Clause.
The central questions were whether Congress could create a national bank and whether state banks could tax federal banks.
The Supreme Court ruled that federal banks are constitutional and that federal law is above state law.
Affirmed the implied powers of Congress and the supremacy of federal law over state law when there is a conflict.