Logan JohnsonMs. WrightAP GovernmentDate:Supreme Court Case AssignmentMarbury vs Madison (1803)The plaintiffs were William Marbury, William Harper, Robert Hooe, and Dennis Ramsay. The defendant was the Secretary of State– James Madison.
Marbury and Madison were related to the case because Marbury did not receive his commission when Jefferson became president and the secretary of state (Madison) was not going to give his commission, therefore making this unconstitutional which led to the judicial reviews. The plaintiff’s argument was that Madison could not give Marbury the commission he desired. The defendant’s argument was that Madison was just following executive orders. The Court’s vote was that Madison’s refusal to give the commission to Marbury was not just but there was no order for Madison to give the commission to Marbury through the writ of mandamus. The majority opinion was stated by Justice Marshall and the opinion was that Marbury was appointed by the President and that Marbury had the legal right to the commission. There was no minority opinion because the vote was unanimous. There was no concurring opinion because the vote was unanimous.
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This court case strengthened the Supreme Court by making the court have the final say in determining how just the congressional legislation is. McCulloch vs Maryland (1819)The plaintiff of the McCulloch v Maryland case was Maryland. The defendant of the McCulloch v Maryland case was McCulloch.
Both are related to the case because McCulloch refused to pay the state tax to the Bank of Maryland. The plaintiff’s argument was a state can exercise their power of taxing the bank as long as the use of power is constitutional. The defendant’s argument was that the bank could be “destroyed” if Maryland taxes the bank too much. The Court unanimously decided that Congress can establish banks and that Maryland did not have the right to tax building owned by the government.
The majority opinion was written by John Marshall and the opinion was that Congress has the power to make all laws necessary and proper and also that taxing can lead to destruction so the states have no right on taxing the banks.There was no minority opinion since the vote was unanimous.There was no concurring opinions.The McCulloch v Maryland impacted American history because this case impacts the way Congress makes laws using the necessary and proper clause. Tinker vs Des Moines Independent Community School (1969)The plaintiff of the Tinker v Des Moines case was Tinker.
The defendant of the Tinker v Des Moines case was Des Moines. The two are related to the case because Tinker wanted to express the truce with Vietnam with a simple bracelet and the Des Moines Independent Community School District did not let them or anyone else wear the armband. This was going against the freedom of expression.
The plaintiff’s argument was that Des Moines was depriving people from their freedom of speech. The defendant’s argument was that the school should uphold discipline against the students to prevent any conflicts. The decision was that students should have the freedom to express themselves and that the school should not censor these rights or actions.
The majority opinion was written by Justice Abe Fortas and stated that the armbands were examples of student using their first amendment rights and that they should not be deprived of these.The minority opinion was written by Hugo L Black saying that the first amendment did not express to express opinions and that the armbands were distracting to the working environment. The concurring opinion agreed with the majority but children are not always protected by the first amendment.
This case affected America because it pushed children and adults to end the Vietnam War so our troops could return home.Gideon vs Wainwright (1963)The plaintiff in the Gideon v Wainwright case was Gideon. The defendant of the Gideon v Wainwright case was Wainwright.
The two are related because Gideon was charged with a felony and he was not able to get a lawyer from Wainwright. Gideon should not be forced to defend himself despite not being able to afford an attorney. Wainwright (State) is arguing that the right to an attorney does not apply to capital crimes. The vote on the case was towards Gideon.
The vote was unanimous.Justice Black delivered the majority opinion stating that states should respect the sixth amendment right to all accused.There was no minority opinion because the vote was unanimous. There were three concurring opinions. Justice Douglas stated that we should not confuse the fourteenth amendment with the Bill of Rights.
Justice Clark wrote that everyone has the right to counsel for protection. Justice Harlan wrote that this type of crime requires an attorney. This court decision impacted history because this reinforced the sixth amendment allowing the accused to get an attorney even if one cannot afford one.
Wisconsin vs Yoder (1972)The plaintiff of the Wisconsin v Yoder case was Wisconsin. The defendant of the Wisconsin v Yoder case was Yoder. The two are related because Wisconsin did not think that it was right for Amish (Yoder was one of them) should quit school by the eighth grade. For the plaintiff, the argument was that education plays a crucial part in affecting the political system. For the defendant, the argument was that the Amish have the right to not be forced into the system because this will endanger them from their salvation. The decision of the Supreme Court was towards Yoder. Justice Burger wrote the majority opinion stating that the values learned in school goes against the values of their life and culture.
There was no minority opinion because this was an anonymous vote. There was no concurring opinion.This case did not impact American history but it did reinforce the First Amendment for freedom of religion.
Gitlow vs New York (1925)The plaintiff of the Gitlow v New York case was Gitlow. The defendant of the Gitlow v New York case was New York. The two are related because Gitlow felt that his first amendment rights were violated and New York thinks that the 14th amendment can overrule the crime he did.The plaintiff’s argument was that Gitlow had the right to the freedom of speech and press as long as know one else is harmed. The defendant’s argument was that New York can have the power to prevent any conflict despite having the freedom of speech and press. The Supreme Court voted New York in the case. The majority opinion was written by Justice Sanford stating that New York has the right to take action on anyone going against the government or an attempt to overthrow the government.
The minority opinion was written by Justice Holmes stating that Gitlow did not procure any violence with the public therefore not violating his first amendment rights. There was no concurring opinion.This court case decision impacted American history because this case portrays that the first amendment also has limits in regards to speech and press. Plessy vs Ferguson (1896)The plaintiff of the Plessy v Ferguson case was Plessy.
The defendant of the Plessy v Ferguson case was Ferguson. The two are related because Plessy was one eighth black and was still unable to ride a train using a first class ticket and was petitioning Ferguson for violating his right. The plaintiff’s argument was that Plessy was mostly white and only a little black and felt that he was allowed to sit in the white car. The defendant’s argument was that there were separate but equal facilities already put in place.The Supreme Court voted on Ferguson.The majority opinion was written by Justice Brown stating that the law must be placed above racial equality.
The minority opinion was written by Justice Harlan stating that the US should have no separation of social classes. There was no concurring opinion. This case impacted American history because this increased tension between the equality of races and was a stepping stone towards the civil rights movement. Schenck vs United States (1919)The United States is the plaintiff in the Schenck v US case and the defendant was Schenck in the case. The two are related because Schenck was violating the Espionage Act and was going against the US efforts for World War I.
The plaintiff’s argument states that the United States had the right to their interests from anyone going against them. The defendant’s argument was Schenck displayed no danger when he was expressing his rights. The Supreme Court voted the United States.
The majority opinion was written by Holmes stating that the Court must side with Congress during war even if it is going against the first amendment rights in protection of the Espionage Act. This decision was unanimous. There was no concurring opinion. This court case did sort of reinforce that the first amendment has limits.United States vs Lopez (1995)The plaintiff in the United States v Lopez case is the Lopez, the petitioner. The defendant of the case was the US.
The two are related because Lopez brought a concealed weapon into his school and was going against the US act of the Gun Free School Zones Act.The plaintiff’s argument was that Lopez claimed that the law Congress made was unconstitutional and that the laws went beyond the power of Congress. The defendant’s argument was the the possession of a weapon on a school campus will ignite violence amongst the students. The Court voted on Lopez with a 6-3 majority.
The majority opinion was written by Justice Harlan stating that entrapment can only happen if law enforcement induces commission of crime. The minority opinion was written by Justice Brennan Jr. and argued that Lopez went against the fourth and fifth amendments. The concurring opinion was written by Justice Warren arguing that the recording was admissible since the Court validated the constitutionality of the usage. This court case did not affect American History. McDonald vs Chicago (2010)The plaintiff of the McDonald v Chicago case was McDonald. The defendant of the case was The City of Chicago.
The two are related because McDonald was trying to defend himself in a high crime neighborhood but Chicago has a city-wide gun ban. The plaintiff’s argument was that the second amendment should apply to all states and McDonald used his weapon in self defense. The defendant’s argument was that the second amendment was not recognized and that the legal system would be heavily affected through this ratification. The vote was to the plaintiff. The majority opinion was written by Justice Alito the equality of the rights given are shown in the fourteenth amendment.
Justice Stevens wrote the minority opinion stating that owning a firearm is not protected by the Due Process clause. Justice Scalia wrote the concurring opinion just stating that he disagreed with Stevens’ opinion. This court decision impacted American History because this explained how the Due Process clause can override the second amendment. Brown vs Board of Education I (1954)The plaintiff of the Brown v Board of Education I case is Brown and the defendant of the case is the Board of Education. They are related because Brown and other African Americans were segregated and basically sued the Board of Education.
The plaintiff’s argument was that her school was not equal to the school for the white which goes against the ‘separate but equal clause’. The defendant’s argument was that there can be schools for separate races as long as they are equal. The decision was towards Brown.The majority opinion was written by Justice Warren stating that the separate schools dividing race is unequal and goes against the ‘Equal Protection Clause’.There was no minority opinion because the vote was unanimous.There was no concurring opinion.This court decision impacted American History because now there can be no racial inequality in schools around the country.
Roe vs Wade (1973)The plaintiff was Roe in the Roe v Wade case. The defendant in the Roe v Wade case was Wade. They are related because Roe was not able to get an abortion and sued Wade.The plaintiff’s argument was that the Fourteenth amendment protects the decisions Roe makes in reason. The defendant’s argument was that there was no law with abortion and that the State should protect the life of an unborn baby. The Supreme Court decided on Roe for her right of privacy. The majority opinion was written by Justice Blackmun stating that Roe had the right to privacy and abortion was protected by this right.
The minority opinion was written by Justice Rehnquist and White stating that there was no right to an abortion. There was a concurring opinion written by Justice Burger, Douglas, and Stewart. Nothing was stated on what they argued. This decision impacted American history because this led to more debates on abortion in the future such as today.
Engel vs Vitale (1962)The plaintiff of the Engel v Vitale case was Engel. The defendant was Vitale in the case. The two are related because Engel sued the school board (Vitale) in regards to praying in school.
The plaintiff’s argument was that praying in school violates the Establishment Clause. The defendant’s argument was that students could still object to prayer if so needed. The Supreme Court ruled with Engel stating that schools cannot hold prayer in public schools.
The majority opinion was written by Judge Black stating that the government should not endorse any particular religion and that students being obliged to praying is violating the Establishment Clause. The minority opinion was written by Justice Stewart stating that the Establishment Clause only goes so far in restricting religion in some areas. The concurring opinion was written by Justice Douglas just expanding the view on the Establishment Clause versus public promotion. This court case impacted American History because this limited the scope of religion in public schools and also gave children a little more freedom because they get to not do something they are advised to do.
New York Times vs United States (1971)The plaintiff of the case was the New York Times and the defendant of the case is the United States. The two are related because the Nixon Administration (United States) prohibited New York Times to publish the Pentagon Papers. The plaintiff’s argument was that New York Times had the freedom of speech protected by the first amendment. The defendant’s argument was that the freedom of speech only goes so far.
If national security is involved, this limits the freedom of speech. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff.The majority opinion was written by Justice Black and Douglas stating that the first amendment should be protect everyone. The minority opinion was written by Justice Burger stating that the Executive Branch also has some power to limit the freedom of speech if the national security is compromised or the government. The concurring opinion was written by Justice White and Stewart stating that they agree with the majority but also think that New York Times went too far in publishing those papers even though there was nothing stopping them. This court case did not affect American History other than having the Pentagon Papers released.
Citizens United vs Federal Election Commission (2010)The plaintiff of the case was Citizens United and the defendant of the case was the Federal Election Commission. The two are related because the Citizens United are suing the Federal Election Commission for putting the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act in place preventing the Citizens United to release a movie. The plaintiff’s argument was that the act will go against the Citizens United freedom of speech. The defendant’s argument was that Section 203 was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court case voted for the plaintiff. The majority opinion was written by Justice Kennedy stating that the first amendment corporate funding cannot be limited or taken away.
The minority opinion was written by Justice Stevens stating that this funding would diminish the integrity of federal elections.The concurring opinion was written by Chief Justice Roberts stating that the Court can handle and avoid constitutional issues. This case just reinforced the limits of the first amendment.
Lemon vs Kurtzman (1971)The plaintiff of the case was Lemon and the defendant of the case was Kurtzman. The two are related because Lemon sued Kurtzman (the state) for funding religious schools which violates the Establishment Clause. The plaintiff’s argument was that the government sponsored one religion and some would consider this favoritism or preference towards one religion. The defendant’s argument was that the withholding state assistance on schools just based on religion limits the freedom of religion and practice. The Supreme Court voted on Kurtzman.
The majority opinion was written by Justice Burger stating that not funding the schools will cause a financial debt for schools in the future. The minority opinion was written by Justice William stating that the First Amendment was being violated.The concurring opinion was written by Justice White. There was no description. This was just like the Engel v Vitale Case which had the same impact as this case.
Mapp vs Ohio (1961)The plaintiff of the case was Mapp. The defendant of the case was Ohio. The two are related because Mapp was suing Ohio for stripping away her freedom of expression. The plaintiff’s argument was that the police did not search her home without a warrant. The defendant’s argument was that possessing the obscene materials go against the laws regarding content. The Supreme Court voted on Mapp.
The majority opinion was written by Justice Clark arguing that everything seized in an investigation without a warrant is not admissible in court. The minority opinion was written by Justice Harlan arguing that Mapp was protected under freedom of expression. The concurring opinion was written by Justice Black but used the fifth amendment as the reasoning of decision.
This court decision impacted American History because this displayed the importance of having a warrant when doing a search and seizure. Griswold vs Connecticut (1965)The plaintiff of the case was Giswold and the defendant of the case was Connecticut. The two are related because Connecticut prohibits medical directors (Griswold) to give medical advice on planned parenthood to couples. The plaintiff’s argument was that giving contraceptives is a personal matter and deserves privacy. The defendant’s argument was that there is no explicit law that actually states anything on privacy. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Griswold because Connecticut is breaking the laws of privacy from the fourteenth amendment (Due Process).The majority opinion was written by Justice Douglas stating that the right to privacy was implied for marital privacy.
The minority opinion was written by Justice Black basically stating that there is no amendment that does not explicitly mention privacy rights. The concurring opinion was written by How did the court decision impact American history (if it did at all)?Brown vs Board of Education II (1955)The facts behind the case. Who is the plaintiff and who is the defendant and how are they related to the case?What are the arguments advanced by each side (plaintiff and defendant)?What was the Court’s vote on the case?What was the majority opinion — and who wrote it?What was the minority opinion — and who wrote it?Was there a concurring opinion? Concurring opinions are those votes that agree with the majority but for different reasons than the reasons offered in the majority opinion.How did the court decision impact American history (if it did at all)?Buckley vs Valeo (1976)The facts behind the case.
Who is the plaintiff and who is the defendant and how are they related to the case?What are the arguments advanced by each side (plaintiff and defendant)?What was the Court’s vote on the case?What was the majority opinion — and who wrote it?What was the minority opinion — and who wrote it?Was there a concurring opinion? Concurring opinions are those votes that agree with the majority but for different reasons than the reasons offered in the majority opinion.How did the court decision impact American history (if it did at all)?
