Scroll through the most important Supreme Court decisions that shaped American law and society
Scroll down to reveal each Supreme Court case one at a time, experiencing the evolution of American constitutional law.
RED BORDERS = CONTROVERSIAL DECISIONS
Cases with red borders represent highly controversial rulings that either violated civil liberties, were later overturned, or remain subjects of intense debate.
Established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.
This landmark case fundamentally shaped the American legal system by establishing the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government with the power to check the other branches.
Affirmed federal supremacy over state governments and established Congress's implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause.
Strengthened federal power and established that states cannot interfere with valid constitutional exercises of federal authority.
Defined Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce broadly, preventing states from interfering with interstate trade.
Established the foundation for federal regulation of commerce and economic activity across state lines.
This ruling remains highly controversial or was later overturned
Ruled that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, could not be American citizens and had no standing to sue in federal court.
One of the worst Supreme Court decisions in history, this ruling intensified tensions leading to the Civil War and was later overturned by the 14th Amendment.
This ruling remains highly controversial or was later overturned
Upheld racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine, legitimizing Jim Crow laws for nearly 60 years.
Allowed systematic racial discrimination and segregation until it was overturned by Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.
This ruling remains highly controversial or was later overturned
Established the 'clear and present danger' test for limiting free speech, particularly during wartime.
Set important precedent for balancing First Amendment rights with national security concerns, though later refined by subsequent cases.
This ruling remains highly controversial or was later overturned
Upheld the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II as a valid exercise of war powers.
Widely criticized as one of the worst Supreme Court decisions, demonstrating how civil liberties can be violated during wartime. Later repudiated but never formally overturned.
Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson's 'separate but equal' doctrine.
Landmark civil rights decision that catalyzed the Civil Rights Movement and began the process of desegregating American society.
Established that states must provide attorneys to criminal defendants who cannot afford their own legal representation.
Guaranteed the Sixth Amendment right to counsel, ensuring fair trials for all defendants regardless of economic status.
Required police to inform suspects of their rights before interrogation, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
Created the famous 'Miranda rights' that protect against self-incrimination and ensure suspects understand their constitutional protections.
Struck down laws banning interracial marriage, declaring them unconstitutional violations of the Equal Protection Clause.
Affirmed that marriage is a fundamental right and that racial classifications in marriage laws violate the Constitution.
Ruled that students do not 'shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech at the schoolhouse gate.'
Established that students have First Amendment rights in schools, though these rights can be limited if they substantially disrupt the educational process.
This ruling remains highly controversial or was later overturned
Established a constitutional right to abortion based on the right to privacy under the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.
One of the most controversial decisions in Supreme Court history, it shaped abortion law for nearly 50 years until it was overturned by Dobbs v. Jackson in 2022.
Ruled that executive privilege is not absolute and ordered President Nixon to turn over White House tapes in the Watergate investigation.
Affirmed that no one, not even the President, is above the law and established limits on executive privilege.
This ruling remains highly controversial or was later overturned
Ruled that racial quotas in college admissions are unconstitutional, but race can be one factor among many in admissions decisions.
Shaped affirmative action policy for decades, allowing consideration of race in admissions while prohibiting strict quotas.
This ruling remains highly controversial or was later overturned
Ruled that burning the American flag is protected symbolic speech under the First Amendment.
Affirmed that the First Amendment protects even offensive or unpopular forms of political expression.
This ruling remains highly controversial or was later overturned
Halted the Florida recount in the 2000 presidential election, effectively deciding the election in favor of George W. Bush.
One of the most controversial decisions in modern history, criticized for appearing to decide a presidential election along partisan lines.
This ruling remains highly controversial or was later overturned
Ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess a firearm for lawful purposes, such as self-defense.
First Supreme Court case in decades to directly address the scope of the Second Amendment, establishing it as an individual right.
This ruling remains highly controversial or was later overturned
Ruled that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts cannot be limited under the First Amendment.
Highly controversial decision that dramatically increased corporate and union spending in elections, fundamentally changing campaign finance law.
This ruling remains highly controversial or was later overturned
Struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, removing federal oversight of election changes in certain states.
Controversial decision that weakened voting rights protections, leading to new voting restrictions in several states.
Ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses.
Landmark civil rights decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, recognizing marriage equality as a constitutional right.
This ruling remains highly controversial or was later overturned
Overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, ruling that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion.
Highly controversial decision that eliminated the federal constitutional right to abortion, returning the issue to individual states.
This ruling remains highly controversial or was later overturned
Ruled that states cannot disqualify federal candidates from the ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment without congressional action.
Resolved questions about presidential ballot eligibility and the scope of state authority over federal elections.
The Supreme Court's decisions shape American law through the principle of stare decisis (precedent). Each ruling interprets the Constitution and establishes legal standards that lower courts must follow. Understanding these landmark cases is essential for knowing your constitutional rights and how they've evolved over time.
Some decisions expanded rights and protections, while others restricted them or were later recognized as grave errors. Learning this history helps us recognize when current practices may conflict with established constitutional principles.
Case information compiled from official Supreme Court opinions and established legal databases: