Study Notes on the Fourteenth Amendment and Related Supreme Court Cases

Fourteenth Amendment Overview

  • The Fourteenth Amendment is considered a comprehensive component of American constitutional law:

    • Contains multiple significant elements relevant to individuals and government entities.

    • Especially important for understanding due process and incorporation.

Due Process

  • Due process is a fundamental legal principle established by the Fourteenth Amendment.

    • It safeguards individuals from arbitrary denial of life, liberty, or property by the state.

Incorporation

  • Incorporation refers to the process by which the protections of the Bill of Rights are applied to state and local governments as well as the federal government.

  • Initially, many states and municipalities assumed they did not need to follow the Bill of Rights, leading to variations in law across different jurisdictions.

    • This disregard for federal rights resulted in conflicts, as seen in cases like Heller v. D.C. and McDonald v. Chicago.

Selective Incorporation

  • Selective incorporation is a legal doctrine that incorporates certain rights in the Bill of Rights to the states on a case-by-case basis.

  • Example cases where selective incorporation was applied include:

    • McDonald v. Chicago: Focused on the Second Amendment (right to bear arms).

    • Heller v. D.C.: Also addressed the Second Amendment.

    • Wisconsin v. Yoder: Addressed the First Amendment, specifically freedom of religion.

Fourth Amendment

  • The Fourth Amendment protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.

    • Requires law enforcement to obtain a search warrant based on probable cause before conducting searches.

Mapp v. Ohio

  • A landmark Supreme Court case that tested the Fourth Amendment through selective incorporation.

    • Case Summary:

    • Valerie Mapp was suspected of harboring a bombing suspect.

    • Police searched her home without a proper warrant, later discovering illegal pornography.

    • Mapp's defense argued that the evidence should be excluded due to the illegal search.

    • Supreme Court Ruling:

    • Established the exclusionary rule, stating evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in court.

    • Reinforced the need for law enforcement to have a valid search warrant.

New Jersey v. TLO

  • Another significant case regarding the Fourth Amendment and search authority within schools.

    • Case Summary:

    • Two female students were caught smoking in a school bathroom, leading to a search of their bags.

    • The search yielded cigarettes, pills, and other contraband.

    • TLO (the student) argued the school lacked a search warrant.

    • Supreme Court Ruling:

    • The Court ruled in favor of the school, citing probable cause from the smell of cigarette smoke to justify the search.

    • Established that schools have more authority regarding searches than standard law enforcement.

Rights of the Accused

  • The Constitution provides certain protections for individuals accused of crimes, particularly pertaining to self-incrimination.

Miranda v. Arizona

  • Landmark case that clarified rights of the accused under the Fifth Amendment.

    • Case Summary:

    • Ernesto Miranda was arrested and confessed to serious crimes without being informed of his rights.

    • Upon realizing his rights were violated, he appealed.

    • Supreme Court Ruling:

    • Mandated the necessity of informing suspects of their rights (Miranda rights) during an arrest.

    • Key components of Miranda rights include:

      • The right to remain silent.

      • Anything said can be used against them in court.

      • The right to an attorney.

Gideon v. Wainwright

  • A crucial case that further defined the rights of the accused, particularly concerning legal representation.

    • Case Summary:

    • Clarence Gideon was charged with breaking and entering and could not afford an attorney.

    • Florida law at the time allowed for attorneys to be appointed only in capital cases.

    • Supreme Court Ruling:

    • The Court ruled that the right to counsel is a fundamental right applicable to all criminal cases under the Sixth Amendment.

    • Invalidated Florida's law as unconstitutional.

Conclusion

  • The courts prioritize public safety, allowing for police intervention to prevent chaos, especially in situations involving potential danger, even if it means limiting individual rights temporarily.

  • The overarching theme shows the tension between individual rights, public safety, and due process in American law.