Important Court Cases and the United States Constitution Objective 2.4

Marbury Vs. Madison Helped establish the power of judicial review. Marbury went against what he believed in to rule by following the constitutional laws.

Brown Vs. Board of Education Ended segregation of white and black students in school. Thirteen parents tried to enroll their children in the local “white schools” in the summer of 1950, but were turned down because they were African American.

Plessy Vs. Ferguson Segregation of white and black people were ok if facilities were equal. Louisiana law mandating separate but equal accommodations for blacks and whites on interstate railroads was constitutional.

McCulloch Vs. Maryland First Federal law supersedes state law when they conflict and upheld the use of the implied . Maryland tried to tax a bank that was incorporated by congress. The courts ruled that the federal government supersedes the state government.

Heart of Atlanta Motel Vs. U.S Cannot refuse to serve an individual by discriminatory means. The owner of the motel refused to serve a Negro guest for racial reasons.

Gideon Vs. Wainwright Right to an attorney even if you cannot afford one. Gideon was charged in a Florida state court with a felony of breaking and entering, and he was unable to hire an lawyer . The state courts failure to appoint a counsel for him violated his right to a fair trial and due process of law.

Engel Vs. Vitale No school led prayers The Board of Regents for the state of New York authorized a short, Voluntary prayer for recitation at the start of each school day. This was an attempt to defuse the politically potent issue by taking it out of the hands of local communities.

Miranda Vs. Arizona An accused individual must be read their rights. In a case a man was not told of his right to hold his silence, therefore he was ruled not guilty. Now you must be read your rights if you are arrested.

Mapp Vs. Ohio Any evidence obtained illegally cannot be used against you in court. While looking for a fugitive, police went into someone else’s house and found illegal drugs, but the evidence couldn’t be used because that was not what they were looking for.