Landmark Supreme Court Cases

By vberkow

  • Mapp v. Ohio

    Mapp v. Ohio
    In 1957, police officers searched Dollree Mapp's home after receiving a tip that she had information about a suspect. Police found pornographic material and arrested her. Dolltree argued that since there was no warrent, it was an illegal search and seizure.
    The Court overturned the conviction and said states are bound to exclude evidence seized in violation of the Fourth Amendment. <a href='http://www.uscourts.gov/multimedia/podcasts/Landmarks/mappvohio.aspx' >Click here for more information</a

  • Gideon v. Wainwright

    Gideon v. Wainwright
    In 1961, Clarence Earl Gideon was arrested for intent to committ petty larceny based on a lone accusation. Gideon, who was poor, asked the judge to provide counsel. The judge refused.
    The case made its way to the Supreme Court, where it ruled that defendants should be provided an attorney, free of charge, under the Sixth Amendment. Click here for more information

  • Miranda v. Arizona

    Miranda v. Arizona
    In 1963, Ernesto Miranda confessed to police that he kidnapped and raped an 18-year-old girl.
    During the interrogation, Miranda wasn't told about his right to counsel or the right to remain silent. He appealed, saying the confession was not volutary.
    The Supreme Court ruled that police must inform suspects of their rights before interrogation. Click here for more information

  • Terry v. Ohio

    Terry v. Ohio
    In 1963, Detective Martin McFadden saw three men outside a store acting suspcious, and thought they may attempt a robbery. He stopped the men, frisked them and found a gun on John W. Terry.
    The defense claimed the search was in violation of the Fourth Amendment, but the Supreme Court ruled that is was a "reasonable" search. <a href='http://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/get-involved/constitution-activities/fourth-amendment/fourth-amendment-mean.aspx' >Click here for more information</a

  • Texas v. Johnson

    Texas v. Johnson
    During the 1984 Republican National Convention in Dallas, Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag in protest. He was arrested for a Texas law prohibiting vandalizing respected objects.
    Johnson aruged it was symbolic speech, and the Supreme Court agreed that symbolic speech is protected even if it's offensive. This invalidated prohibitions in 48 states regarding vandalizing American flags. <a href='http://www.uscourts.gov/multimedia/podcasts/Landmarks/texasvjohnson.aspx' >Click here for more