Contemporary U.S. Supreme Court Cases: Landmark Case Law That Shaped American History

The United States Supreme Court is the highest court in the land, and its decisions have a profound impact on American law and society. Over the years, the Court has issued landmark rulings on a wide range of issues, from civil rights to criminal justice to the separation of powers.

In this article, we will explore some of the most important contemporary U.S. Supreme Court cases. These cases have had a major impact on our nation, and they continue to be debated and discussed today.

ERISA: Contemporary US Supreme Court Cases (LandMark Case Law)

by LandMark Publications

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Language	:	English
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Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Marbury v. Madison is one of the most important cases in American history. In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that it has the power to declare laws unconstitutional. This decision established the principle of judicial review, which is a cornerstone of the American legal system.

The case arose out of the election of 1800, in which Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams. After the election, Adams appointed a number of "midnight judges" to the federal courts. These judges were appointed after Congress had adjourned, and they were not confirmed by the Senate. Jefferson refused to deliver their commissions, and Marbury, one of the judges, sued Madison, the Secretary of State, to compel him to do so.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Marbury, but it also ruled that the Judiciary Act of 1789, which gave the Court the power to issue writs of mandamus, was unconstitutional. This decision established the principle of judicial review, which means that the Court has the power to strike down laws that it finds to be unconstitutional.

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

Dred Scott v. Sandford is one of the most controversial cases in American history. In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that African Americans were not citizens of the United States and that they could not sue in federal court.

The case arose out of a lawsuit filed by Dred Scott, a slave who had been taken to free territory by his master. Scott argued that he was a free man because he had been taken to free territory. The Supreme Court ruled against Scott, and it held that African Americans were not citizens of the United States and that they could not sue in federal court.

The Dred Scott decision was a major blow to the abolitionist movement. It also helped to precipitate the Civil War.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Plessy v. Ferguson is another landmark case in American history. In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that segregation of public facilities was constitutional as long as the facilities were "separate but equal."

The case arose out of a challenge to a Louisiana law that required separate railway cars for white and black passengers. Plessy, an African American man, was arrested for sitting in a white-only railway car. He argued that the law violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The Supreme Court ruled against Plessy, and it held that segregation of public facilities was constitutional as long as the facilities were "separate but equal." This decision established the "separate but equal" doctrine, which was used to justify segregation in many areas of American life for decades.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Brown v. Board of Education is one of the most important Supreme Court cases of the 20th century. In this case, the Court ruled that segregation of public schools was unconstitutional.

The case arose out of a challenge to a Kansas law that required separate schools for white and black children. The plaintiffs in the case argued that the law violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, and it held that segregation of public schools was unconstitutional. This decision overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine that had been established in Plessy v. Ferguson.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Roe v. Wade is one of the most controversial Supreme Court cases of all time. In this case, the Court ruled that women have a constitutional right to abortion.

The case arose out of a challenge to a Texas law that prohibited abortion except to save the life of the mother. The plaintiff in the case was Jane Roe, a pseudonym for Norma McCorvey, who was pregnant at the time.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Roe, and it held that women have a constitutional right to abortion. This decision has been upheld in subsequent cases, and it remains the law of the land today.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Citizens United v. FEC is a recent Supreme Court case that has had a major impact on American politics. In this case, the Court ruled that corporations have the same First Amendment rights as individuals.

The case arose out of a challenge to a law that prohibited corporations from making independent expenditures in federal elections. The plaintiff in the case was Citizens United, a conservative nonprofit organization.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Citizens United, and it held that corporations have the same First Amendment rights as individuals. This decision has been criticized by some for allowing corporations to have too much influence in elections.

These are just a few of the many landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped American law and society. These cases have had a profound impact on our nation, and they continue to be debated and discussed today.

If you are interested in learning more about these cases and their impact, I encourage you to read the following book:

Contemporary U.S. Supreme Court Cases: Landmark Case Law That Shaped American History

This book provides an in-depth look at these cases and their impact on American law and society. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Supreme Court and its role in shaping American history.

ERISA: Contemporary US Supreme Court Cases (LandMark Case Law)

by LandMark Publications

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	733 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	431 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE