US Supreme Court Cases

US Supreme Court Cases

1. 14th Amendment - This amendment protects us because it makes sure all US Citizens are treated fairly and equally. It influences other amendments because it is the bridge that makes the rest the constitution apply to the states.

   • 1st Amendment- Protects citizens from government punishment for expressing ourselves.
     • In this case Gregory Lee Johnson burned an american flag as a protest. Texas arrested him under a state law that banned flag desecration. Johnson argued the law violated his 1st Amendment rights. The court ruled in his favor because the government cannot punish speech just because it is offensive.
     • Texas V Johnson (1989)
   • 2nd Amendment- Protects citizens ability to defend themselves.
     • Caetano V. Massachusetts (2016)
       • Jaime Caetano carried a stun gun to protect herself from her ex-husband. Massachusetts convicted her claiming stun guns were not protected by the 2nd amendment. Caetano appealed stating the ban violated her right to keep and bear arms and the court ruled in her favor.
   • 4th Amendment- Protects citizens against unreasonable search and seizures.
     • Payton V. New York (1980)
       • Police entered Payton's home without a warrant. Probable cause without a warrant and non consensual entry into a home violates the Fourth amendment. Payton's conviction didn't stand because the police violated his rights.
   • 5th Amendment- Protects citizens against forced confessions, giving us the right to remain silent.
     • Dickerson V. United States (2000)
       • Charles Dickerson was charged with bank robbery and he made statements to the FBI before he was read his Miranda rights. His unwarned confession could not be used at trial.
   • 6th Amendment- Gives citizens a fair trial and right to counsel.
     • Gideon V. Wainwright (1963)
       • Gideon a poor Florida man was charged with burglary. He asked for a lawyer and was denied and sent to prison. He petitioned from prison, recieved a retrial and was later acquitted.
   • 8th Amendment- Protects citizens against cruel and unusual punishment.
     • Furman V. Georgia (1972)
       • William Furman was convicted of murder and burglary and was sentenced to death during the time juries could give life and death sentences with no standards. The death penalty at that time was discriminatory, and changed quickly with no warning. Because of this all existing death penalty laws were recreated, temporarily stopping all executions nationwide. The death penalty was reinstated under new safeguards. Furman was never executed but received life in prison.

2. Texas V. Johnson was important because the court realized that the First Amendment protects expressive conduct not just written or spoken words. It is one of the most important freedom of speech decisions.

   • Caetano V. Massachusetts was important because it strengthened the Second Amendment for civilians who rely on non-lethal weapons for self defense. It protects vulnerable people who cannot or do not want to carry a firearm.
     • Payton V. New York was important because it established the Fourth amendment in the home entry rule. It protects people from warrantless police entry into their homes.
       • Dickerson V. United States was important because it saved Miranda Rights. This case is the reason why police nationwide have to read suspects their rights resulting in the Fifth Amendment.
         • Gideon V Wainwright was important because it transformed the Sixth Amendment into protection for regular people. The court used this Amendment to incorporate the right to council.
           • Furman V Georgia was important because it stopped the death penalty nationwide temporarily. It forced States to rewrite their laws strengthening the Eighth Amendment.