Key Judicial Cases and Constitutional Amendments

McCulloch v. Maryland: Examines the conflict between federal and state powers, especially regarding taxation.
Dred Scott v. Sandford: Discusses issues of slavery, citizenship, and federal authority over states.
Plessy v. Ferguson: Established the principle of "separate but equal" for racial segregation.
Schenck v. United States: Addresses limitations on free speech during wartime.
Brown v. Board of Education: Landmark case that led to desegregation in public schools.
Mapp v. Ohio: Introduced the exclusionary rule regarding illegally obtained evidence.
Baker v. Carr: Focuses on legislative redistricting and the necessity of equal representation.
Engel v. Vitale: Ruled that school-sponsored prayer is a violation of the First Amendment.
Gideon v. Wainwright: Affirms the right to counsel for indigent defendants.
Miranda v. Arizona: Established the rights of suspects during police interrogations.
Tinker v. Des Moines: Recognizes student free speech rights within educational institutions.
New York Times Co. v. United States: Balances press freedom against government censorship.
Wisconsin v. Yoder: Examines the conflict between religious freedom and compulsory education laws.
Roe v. Wade: Addresses a woman's right to choose abortion.

First Amendment: Guarantees freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
Fifth Amendment: Ensures individuals are treated fairly by the government and protects against self-incrimination.