Supreme Court Flashcards

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

In this case, Homer Plessy, who was legally classified as an “octoroon” (one-eighth black), purchased a first-class ticket for a train on the East Louisiana Railway. He sat in the whites-only car, violating an 1890 Louisiana law that mandated separate accommodations for Black and white passengers. Plessy was convicted, but appealed to the Supreme Court. The Court, in a 7–1 decision, upheld the segregation law, arguing that “separate but equal” facilities were constitutional as long as they were equal in quality. Justice John Marshall Harlan dissented, famously declaring that “Our constitution is color-blind.” Plessy v. Ferguson was later overturned by Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

This landmark case arose when President John Adams, on his last day in office, appointed 42 federal judges (the “midnight judges”). His successor, Thomas Jefferson, refused to deliver some of these commissions, including one for William Marbury. Marbury sued James Madison, the new secretary of state, to force the delivery of his commission. The case turned on whether the Judiciary Act of 1789, which granted the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in such cases, was constitutional. The Court, in a unanimous decision, ruled that the Act conflicted with the Constitution and was therefore void. This decision established the principle of judicial review, giving the Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

In this case, Norma McCorvey (under the pseudonym “Jane Roe”) challenged a Texas law that made abortion illegal except in certain circumstances. McCorvey argued for her right to an abortion based on the constitutional right to privacy, which had been recognized in the 1965 case Griswold v. Connecticut. The Supreme Court ruled 7–2 in her favor, striking down Texas's anti-abortion laws as “unconstitutionally vague” and establishing a woman’s right to choose an abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy. McCorvey later became an outspoken pro-life advocate, claiming that she was not actually raped and was pressured into bringing the case by her attorney.

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas (1954)

This case involved Linda Brown, a young African-American girl who was forced to walk a mile to attend a segregated black school, even though a whites-only school was much closer to her home. Thurgood Marshall, who later became a Supreme Court justice, argued the case for the plaintiffs. In a unanimous 9–0 decision, the Court overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, ruling that “separate but equal” public schools were inherently unequal and unconstitutional. The decision mandated the desegregation of public schools, though compliance was slow, especially in Southern states. A follow-up ruling in 1955 called for desegregation to proceed “with all deliberate speed.”

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

This case arose when the state of Maryland attempted to tax the Second Bank of the United States, which was established by Congress. James McCulloch, the bank’s cashier, refused to pay the tax, and the state sued him. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, ruled that Congress had the implied power to create the bank, even though the Constitution did not specifically authorize it. Chief Justice John Marshall argued that the federal government’s powers were not limited to those explicitly stated in the Constitution, and that states could not interfere with federal institutions. This decision reinforced the supremacy of federal law over state law.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Charles Baker, a Tennessee citizen, sued the state’s secretary of state, Joe Carr, because Tennessee had not redrawn its electoral districts despite population shifts that had resulted in districts of unequal representation. The state argued that redistricting was a political question, not a judicial one, and that courts should not intervene. However, the Supreme Court disagreed, ruling 6–2 that the issue of legislative apportionment was justiciable, meaning courts could rule on it. This case paved the way for the one person, one vote principle, which was solidified two years later in Reynolds v. Sims.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Clarence Earl Gideon was accused of breaking into a pool hall in Florida. He was denied a court-appointed attorney because his crime was not a capital offense. Gideon represented himself in court, was convicted, and later appealed, arguing that the denial of counsel violated his Sixth Amendment rights. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, overruled Betts v. Brady and held that the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to legal counsel in all criminal trials, regardless of the severity of the charge. Gideon was retried with the help of a public defender and was acquitted. This case led to a significant expansion of the right to counsel in the U.S.

Hammer v. Dagenhart (1918)

The Keating-Owen Act of 1916 prohibited the interstate shipment of goods produced by child labor. Roland Dagenhart sued U.S. Attorney W.C. Hammer to prevent his sons from being put out of work due to the law. The Supreme Court, in a 5–4 decision, ruled that the federal government did not have the power to regulate child labor through interstate commerce. The Court’s majority argued that this type of regulation was within the states’ powers, not the federal government’s. The ruling was later overturned by U.S. v. Darby Lumber Co. in 1941, which upheld the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Fletcher v. Peck (1810)

This case involved the sale of land in Georgia along the Yazoo River, which was marred by corruption. In 1795, the state legislature sold large tracts of land to private citizens in exchange for bribes. When new legislators came into power, they voided the sales. Robert Fletcher, who had purchased land from one of the original buyers, sued John Peck, arguing that he did not have clear title to the land. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, ruled that the state legislature could not invalidate the land sales because it violated the contract clause of the Constitution. This was one of the first instances of the Court striking down a state law as unconstitutional.

Ex Parte Merryman (1861)

This was not a Supreme Court case but a ruling by Chief Justice Roger Taney while he was “circuit-riding” during the Civil War. Taney was asked to rule on the constitutionality of President Abraham Lincoln’s suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, which he had enacted in response to civil unrest. Taney found that only Congress had the power to suspend habeas corpus under the Constitution, and that Lincoln’s actions were unconstitutional. However, Lincoln ignored Taney’s ruling and continued the suspension, highlighting a conflict between the executive and judicial branches during a national emergency.

Chisholm v. Georgia (1793)

After the death of Robert Farquhar, his estate’s executor, Alexander Chisholm, sued the state of Georgia to collect money the state owed Farquhar for goods purchased during the American Revolution. Georgia claimed sovereign immunity protected it from the lawsuit. However, the Supreme Court ruled that under Article III, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, citizens could sue states, finding against Georgia. This decision was so controversial that it led to the passage of the Eleventh Amendment in 1794, which prohibited citizens of any state or foreign nationals from suing a state without its consent.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Thomas Gibbons and Aaron Ogden had a dispute over their steamboat business operating between New York and New Jersey. Ogden had a state-granted monopoly in New York, but Gibbons, with a federal permit, began operating a competing service. Ogden sued Gibbons, claiming the federal permit violated his monopoly. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision written by Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled that the federal government had the power to regulate interstate commerce under the Commerce Clause, and thus Gibbons’ federal license took precedence over Ogden’s state monopoly.

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

Dred Scott, a slave, sued for his freedom after living in free territories, including Illinois and the Wisconsin Territory, with his owner. The Supreme Court ruled that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, were not considered U.S. citizens and therefore had no right to sue in federal court. Additionally, the Court declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, arguing that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in the territories. The decision deepened national divisions and was a precursor to the Civil War.

Munn v. Illinois (1877)

Ira Munn owned grain elevators in Chicago and was charging excessive fees. In response, the Illinois legislature passed a law setting maximum rates for grain storage. Munn challenged the law, arguing that it violated the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause regarding private property. Chief Justice Morrison Waite, writing for the Court, upheld the law, ruling that when private property is used for public purposes, it is subject to government regulation. This decision marked a key moment in the history of government intervention in business practices, particularly in areas like transportation and utilities.

Muller v. Oregon (1908)

Curt Muller, a laundry owner in Oregon, was fined for violating a state law that limited the working hours of women in factories and laundries. Muller argued that the law interfered with his freedom of contract. However, the Supreme Court upheld the law, citing compelling state interests in protecting the health of female workers. In a notable move, the Court relied on scientific evidence provided by future Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, which claimed that long working hours were detrimental to women’s health. This case also marked a judicial justification for gender-based legislation, which would be criticized later for reinforcing sex discrimination.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Charles Schenck, a Socialist, distributed pamphlets urging men to resist the draft during World War I, violating the Espionage Act of 1917. Schenck appealed his conviction, claiming that his First Amendment rights to free speech were violated. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous opinion by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, ruled that the First Amendment does not protect speech that poses a “clear and present danger” to national security. The Court likened Schenck’s actions to falsely shouting “fire” in a crowded theater, where speech may be limited to prevent harm.

Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)

In 1961, Estelle Griswold and Lee Buxton, directors of the Planned Parenthood League of Connecticut, were arrested for providing birth control to married couples, violating a Connecticut law that banned contraception. The Supreme Court ruled 7–2 in favor of Griswold, finding that the law violated the constitutional right to privacy. Justice William O. Douglas, writing the majority opinion, argued that certain guarantees in the Bill of Rights, though not explicitly stated, create “penumbras” or implied rights, including the right to privacy. This case laid the groundwork for later rulings on reproductive rights and privacy.

Supreme Court Cases about LGTBQ: ONE, Inc. v. Olesen (1958)

This case marked the first time the U.S. Supreme Court addressed LGBT rights. The postmaster of Los Angeles, Otto Olesen, refused to mail the October 1964 issue of ONE magazine, the first publication aimed at the gay community, arguing that it was obscene under the 1873 Comstock Act. The Supreme Court ruled in a per curiam decision (without full argument or opinion) that the magazine's LGBT content was not automatically obscene and reversed the Ninth Circuit ruling. This decision laid an early foundation for LGBT legal battles, although ONE magazine ceased publication in 1969, shortly after the Stonewall riots.

Bowers v. Hardwick (1986)

In this case, the Supreme Court upheld a Georgia law that criminalized sodomy, even if it involved consensual sex between adults. Michael Hardwick was arrested after police entered his home and witnessed him engaged in homosexual activity. In a 5–4 decision, Justice Byron White wrote that the state had a rational interest in enforcing its sodomy laws, and that the Constitution did not provide a right to engage in homosexual conduct. Justice Powell later regretted his vote. This decision was overturned in Lawrence v. Texas (2003).

Romer v. Evans (1996)

This case involved Colorado's Amendment 2, which prohibited any local government or private group from granting protected status to LGBT individuals. The Supreme Court struck down the amendment, ruling 6–3 that it violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Court stated that the amendment singled out LGBT people for discrimination without a legitimate government interest. This decision was a significant victory for LGBT rights, and it marked the beginning of Justice Anthony Kennedy's influence in such cases.

Boy Scouts of America v. Dale (2000)

This case involved the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), which had a policy excluding openly gay members and leaders. James Dale, an openly gay former Eagle Scout, was expelled from the BSA after being appointed an assistant scoutmaster. The Supreme Court, in a 5–4 decision, ruled that the First Amendment's protection of freedom of association allowed private organizations like the Boy Scouts to exclude members based on their beliefs, including sexual orientation. In 2014, the Boy Scouts lifted its ban on gay members, and in 2015, lifted its ban on gay leaders.

Lawrence v. Texas (2003)

This case struck down Texas' sodomy law, which criminalized same-sex sexual activity. John Lawrence and Tyron Garner were arrested in Lawrence's home under the law. In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that laws prohibiting private consensual sexual conduct between adults violated the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the majority, explicitly overturned Bowers v. Hardwick, calling that decision "not correct" and stating that the government had no right to intrude into private sexual relationships.

Hollingsworth v. Perry (2013)

This case addressed California’s Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in the state. After the California Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was constitutionally protected, voters approved Proposition 8. Same-sex couples challenged it in court, and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5–4 that the official proponents of Proposition 8 lacked standing to defend the law in court. This decision effectively allowed same-sex marriage to resume in California, but it did not address the broader issue of same-sex marriage nationwide.

U.S. v. Windsor (2013)

In this case, the Supreme Court struck down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which prohibited the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages. Edie Windsor, who had married her partner in Canada, was denied a federal estate tax exemption after her spouse’s death. In a 5–4 decision, the Court ruled that DOMA violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fifth Amendment, as it discriminated against legally married same-sex couples. The ruling required the federal government to recognize all state-sanctioned same-sex marriages.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

This landmark decision legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The case consolidated several challenges to state bans on same-sex marriage. In a 5–4 ruling, the Supreme Court held that state bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional, as they violated the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment. Justice Anthony Kennedy’s majority opinion emphasized that marriage is a fundamental right and that denying it to same-sex couples demeaned their dignity. This ruling made same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states.

Bostock v. Clayton County (2020)

This case expanded workplace protections to include LGBT employees. The Court ruled 6–3 that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, also applies to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The case involved three individuals—Gerald Bostock, Donald Zarda, and Aimee Stephens—who were fired for being gay or transgender. Justice Neil Gorsuch, writing for the majority, argued that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity inherently involves discrimination on the basis of sex.

303 Creative, LLC v. Elenis (2023)

This case involved a challenge to Colorado’s anti-discrimination law by Lorie Smith, a web designer who refused to create wedding websites for same-sex couples, claiming it would violate her religious beliefs. In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Smith, holding that the First Amendment's protection of free speech allowed her to refuse to create content that conflicted with her religious views. The Court’s majority opinion, written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, concluded that creating websites is an act of "expressive speech," and Colorado could not force Smith to create messages that went against her beliefs.