Landmark Supreme Court Cases in American Legal History Quiz

Brown v. Board of Education led to the desegregation of public schools by declaring 'separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.'

Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, empowering the Court to strike down laws as unconstitutional.

Plessy v. Ferguson established the 'separate but equal' doctrine, allowing racial segregation as long as facilities were 'equal.'

Gideon v. Wainwright ruled individuals have a right to counsel in criminal trials, regardless of ability to pay.

Engel v. Vitale ruled school-sponsored prayer in public schools unconstitutional, citing it violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Mapp v. Ohio established the exclusionary rule, barring evidence obtained illegally from being used in court.

Reynolds v. Sims established the 'one person, one vote' principle, requiring legislative districts to be roughly equal in population.

Griswold v. Connecticut established the right to privacy, particularly in marital relations, setting a precedent for reproductive rights.

Schenck v. United States established the 'clear and present danger' test, limiting free speech if it presents a danger to society.

Korematsu v. United States upheld the internment of Japanese Americans, despite later being widely criticized as unconstitutional.

Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire established the 'fighting words' exception, allowing regulation of speech that incites violence.