Lesson 60: Landmark Supreme Court Cases

The Supreme Court of the United States has played a pivotal role in interpreting the Constitution and shaping the law of the land. This lesson will cover some of the most influential landmark cases that have defined American jurisprudence. Understanding these cases is crucial for navigating the complexities of Constitutional Law.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to declare a law unconstitutional. This case is foundational for the role of the judiciary in the American system of government.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

McCulloch v. Maryland affirmed the federal supremacy over state laws and upheld the implied powers of Congress. This case interpreted the Necessary and Proper Clause of the Constitution.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

In Gibbons v. Ogden, the Supreme Court held that the power to regulate interstate commerce was granted to Congress by the Commerce Clause of the Constitution.

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

The Dred Scott decision ruled that African Americans could not be American citizens and that Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories. This decision exacerbated sectional tensions and was a contributing factor to the Civil War.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Plessy v. Ferguson upheld state racial segregation laws for public facilities under the doctrine of "separate but equal."

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

In Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional, effectively overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

In Gideon v. Wainwright, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that states are required to provide legal counsel to defendants charged with serious offenses who cannot afford an attorney.

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Miranda v. Arizona established the requirement for police to inform suspects of their rights before questioning, leading to the creation of "Miranda rights."

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Roe v. Wade was a landmark decision where the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution protects a woman's right to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction.

United States v. Nixon (1974)

In United States v. Nixon, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that President Richard Nixon had to release the Watergate tapes. This case clarified the limits of the presidential privilege of confidentiality.

Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978)

Regents of the University of California v. Bakke addressed affirmative action programs. The Court ruled that race could be one of several factors in college admission policy but rejected the use of racial quotas.

Bush v. Gore (2000)

In Bush v. Gore, the Supreme Court resolved the dispute in the 2000 Presidential election, effectively awarding the presidency to George W. Bush. The decision addressed issues of electoral processes and equal protection.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

Citizens United v. FEC ruled that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts in candidate elections cannot be limited, under the First Amendment. This landmark case reshaped the political landscape regarding campaign finance.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

In Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.