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Schenk v. US
Schenk v. took place during WWI when the draft was being used. This context is why Schenk was arrested when he released leaflets urging people to dodge the draft which violated the Espionage Act This case was significant because it limited the 1st amendment by prohibiting freedom of speech when it could lead to danger and criminal action. This case has had a lasting impact as it has introduced limits to the 1st amendment and established the "clear and present danger" test -
Gitlow v. NY
This case took place following the first world war during a time of prosperity in America. Gitlow was arrested for handing out anti-government pamphlets. He believed he had the free speech to do it but the court stated that speech can be limited when it threatens a nation's safety. This was significant as it placed limits of the 1st Amendment. The impact was that it established a warning of threatening speech. This law continues to be in use today and clarifies what speech is prohibited. -
Mapp v. Ohio
This case took place in the 1960s when civil rights were on the rise and the liberal Warren Court was in existence. This addressed when incriminating evidence was found against Mapps after police entered her house without a warrant. The significance is that it upheld the 4th amendment with support from the 14th amendment. This was the first time the exclusionary rule was used in court. The impact is that citizens were protected and there was a clear line of what the police can and can't do. -
Engel v. Vitale
This case occurred during the 1960s when religion played a big role in Americans lives. It addressed a school enforcing a public prayer at the start of the day. The court declared that this was unconstitutional as it was a violation of the 1st Amendment's Establishment Clause. This was significant as it removed religious bias/practice from schools. The impact is that religion is no longer a part of public schools and can not be encouraged. There is a separation between education and religion. -
Griswold v. Connecticut
This case took place in 1965 during a time of civil rights/fighting injustices. It addressed a Connecticut law that banned the sale of contraceptives. This case was significant because the court struck down on this law stating it violated a person's right to privacy. The 14th amendment were used to support this decision as it legalized contraceptives. The lasting impact is contraceptives are easily accessible. Yet,in recent years talk of banning birth control has reemerged in some politicians . -
Tinker v. DesMoines
This case took place during the Vietnam War when there were many antiwar protests. When students wore armbands in protest of the war it was prohibited by the principal. This case ruled that prohibiting it violated the students freedom of speech. This is significant because it secured the 1st amendment right of symbolic speech/protest to students gave power to the school systems. The impact is that students today have freedom of expression and protests are often encouraged not banned. -
Brandenburg v. Ohio
This case occurred during the 1960s where racism, segregation, and civil rights were in action. This addressed the arrest of KKK leader Brandenburg for his speech. His speech violated the Ohio Criminal Syndicalism Law which prohibited speech that advocated crime with a political agenda. The significance was that the law was claimed unconstitutional for broadness and Bradenburg's freedom of speech was violated. The impact was a test evaluating speech was created and would be used in future cases. -
Lemon v. Kurtzman
This case occurred in the 1970s where there was increased liberalism and a break away from traditional ideas. It involves laws passed in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island that allowed funding to private religious schools. The Supreme Court decided this was illegal as it violated the Establishment Clause in the 1st Amendment. This is important because allowed for a clear separation to be made between the church and state. The lasting impact is that private religious schools are not state funded, -
NY Times v. US
This took place during the Vietnam War where a lot of activity was unknown by the public. The NY Times was going to publish information about the war and the Nixon administration tried to stop it. The significance of this case was the courts ruled in favor of NY Times upholding freedom of speech/press and ruled against prior restraint as it did not threaten security. The impact of this case was freedom of speech was protected and news outlets still how power to release controversial information. -
Wisconsin v. Yoder
This case took place in the 70s where new ideas/expression were popular. It addressed the Amish not believing in high school. State law required attendance until 16 but the Amish wanted to pull their children out after 8th grade. The Amish challenged this law saying it violated their freedom of religion. The significance of this case was that the Court agreed with the Amish, allowing them to pull their children from school. The impact is religious groups remain protected from conflicting laws. -
New Jersey v. TLO
This case took place during a time of conservatism and strictness against drugs. It addressed when a girl had to show her principle the contents of her purse revealing marijuana. The court supported the school saying there was reasonable cause on school grounds. This case is significant as it shows an exception to the need for a warrant or cause for search and allows for random searches limiting rights at school. The impact continues today through random searches by teachers or the drug dog. -
Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier
This case occurred during the Reagan administration and a time of conservatism. It addresses a school newspaper that was not published after being found inappropriate by the principle. The court upheld this decision as schools can limit students speech. This is significant as it limits the 1st amendment and the rights of students in school. This has had a lasting impact as school can censor any media they choose if it can pose a threat or is appropriate. Additionally, it gives power to schools. -
Texas v. Johnson
This case occurred in the 1980s when there was increased Republicanism/ conservatism. This case addressed the burning of a flag protesting the Reagan Administration. The significance of this case was that the freedom to protest/ symbolic speech was upheld allowing the flag burning even when it was against the President. The impact today is that people have the power to burn flags and protest the government. There is a lot of protest against President Trump that is controversial but legal. -
Sante Fe School v. Doe
This case occurred during the 2000 when there was increased liberalism in America with the election of Bill Clinton.This case involved a prayer before a public school football game and questioned its constitutionality. It was determined that this violated the 1st Amendment's Establishment Clause. This was significant as it further removed religion from school, separating church and state. This has had a lasting impact on schools as it has banned religion and it is no longer enforced in school. -
Citizens United v. FEC
This case occurred around the 2008 elections when there great debate over the democratic nominee. Additionally, this was a time of large corporations dominating America. It addressed whether the corporation Citizens United could release a movie against Clinton. The significance was that the court allowed the movie as it was an expression of free speech. This also made the McCain Feingold law unconstitutional. The lasting impact was more power to corporations to express their political opinions.
