Landmark Supreme Court Cases Flashcards
7 cards from real FCLE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Landmark Supreme Court Cases flashcards as text
In Schenck v. United States (1919), Justice Holmes introduced the concept that speech can be restricted if it presents a:
Answer: Clear and present danger
Holmes's opinion established the 'clear and present danger' test, upholding the conviction of a socialist who distributed anti-draft leaflets during World War I.
What was the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?
Answer: It affirmed federal supremacy and implied congressional powers
The Court ruled that Congress had implied power to create a national bank and that Maryland could not tax it, establishing broad federal authority under the Necessary and Proper Clause.
Roe v. Wade (1973) was later overturned by which Supreme Court decision?
Answer: Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization
In Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022), the Court held that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion, overruling Roe v. Wade.
In Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988), the Court ruled that school officials:
Answer: May exercise editorial control over school-sponsored student publications
The Court held that educators may restrict student speech in school-sponsored activities if their actions are reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) held that:
Answer: Political spending by corporations and unions is protected First Amendment speech
The Court ruled 5-4 that the government cannot restrict independent political expenditures by corporations, associations, or labor unions.
The Supreme Court's ruling in Furman v. Georgia (1972) temporarily halted capital punishment because:
Answer: Death sentences were being applied in an arbitrary and capricious manner
The fractured Court found that the arbitrary application of death sentences constituted cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment.
In New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985), the Supreme Court held that school officials conducting searches of students need only:
Answer: Reasonable suspicion that the search will reveal evidence of a rule violation
The Court balanced students' privacy interests against schools' need to maintain order, requiring only 'reasonable suspicion' rather than the higher 'probable cause' standard.