1800-1850
What case established the Supreme Court’s power of judicial review by declaring a congressional law unconstitutional for the first time?
Marbury v Madison
What infamous case ruled that African Americans were not U.S. citizens and struck down the Missouri Compromise?
Dred Scott v Sandford
What case ruled that government-sponsored prayer in public schools violated the First Amendment’s establishment clause?
Engel v Vitale
What case protected freedom of the press by allowing the publication of the Pentagon Papers over government objections?
NY Times v US
What case was the first time the Supreme Court struck down a state law ruling that a corrupt land deal in Georgia could not be undone due to the Contract Clause?
Fletcher v Peck
What case established the “separate but equal” doctrine, upholding racial segregation under the 14th Amendment?
Plessy v Ferguson
What case guaranteed the right to an attorney for criminal defendants who can’t afford one?
Gideon v Wainwright
What case recognized a womans right to abortion under the right to privacy protected by the 14th Amendment?
Roe v Wade
What case upheld the constitutionality of the national bank and established the principle of implied powers under the elastic clause?
McCulloch v Maryland
What WWI-era case said free speech could be restricted if it presented a “clear and present danger,” like encouraging draft resistance?
Schenck v US
What case ruled that public officials must prove “actual malice” to win a libel case, expanding press freedom?
NY Times v Sullivan
What case limited presidential power by ordering Nixon to hand over tapes during the Watergate scandal?
US v Nixon
What case confirmed federal authority over interstate commerce and invalidated a New York monopoly on steamboat operations?
Gibbons v Ogden
What case upheld the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII as a matter of national security?
Korematsu v US
What case recognized a constitutional right to privacy by striking down a law banning birth control for married couples?
Griswold v Connecticut
What case effectively decided the 2000 presidential election by stopping Floridas ballot recount?
Bush v Gore
What case declared that state laws had no force within Cherokee territory, reinforcing tribal sovereignty though President Jackson ignored it?
Worcester v Georgia
What case ended racial segregation in public schools stating that “separate but equal” has no place in education?
Brown v Board of Education
What case established that suspects must be informed of their rights to remain silent and have an attorney before police questioning?
Miranda v Arizona
What case ruled that students have the right to free speech in school, including wearing armbands, as long as it doesn't disrupt learning?
Tinker v Des Moines (1966)
[you need to google this one]