Important Cases in Supreme Court History

Every year, the Supreme Court receives thousands of requests to hear cases. Of those thousands of requests, around 80 cases each year are heard. While most of the cases involve constitutional issues and federal law, many of them do not make an impression. Others, however, stand out because of the way they interpret the Constitution or the dramatic changes the make to Americans’ way of life. Some of the most important cases in Supreme Court history have tackled issues such as abortion, racial equality and making sure the law is fair and balanced. They are cases that were decided 40, 50 even over 100 years ago and yet are still relevant today.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

The case of Marbury v. Madison set the tone for many future court cases. One of the major questions in the case was whether the Supreme Court had the authority to review acts of Congress and determine their constitutionality. The case set a precedence, establishing the Supreme Court’s power when it comes to judicial review.

PBS Landmark Cases: Marbury v. Madison – Learn the basics behind the case and the implications it had on future court cases.
Equal Justice Under Law: Marbury v. Madison – Watch a dramatic retelling of the historic case.
Supreme Court of the United States: Marbury v. Madison – Read the text for the landmark decision handed down from the Court.
Commemorating the 20^th Anniversary of Marbury v. Madison – The document provides an overview of some of the key players in Marbury v. Madison and the effects of the case.
A Critical Guide to Marbury v. Madison – Did the Court make the right decision and what did it really mean for future cases?

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Plessy v. Ferguson was one of the first Supreme Court cases to deal with segregation. Homer Plessy was 7/8^th Caucasian, but was still refused a seat in a whites-only railroad car. The case asked if Louisiana’s law requiring separate, but equal facilities for blacks and whites was legal. The court upheld the separate, but equal law. It was a setback for those seeking racial equality.

The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow: Plessy v. Ferguson – Plessy v. Ferguson was a huge decision during the Jim Crow era.
Plessy v. Ferguson – Review the document created by the Court during Plessy v. Ferguson.
Plessy vs. Ferguson: Separate isn’t Equal – The Court ruled separate but equal was okay, but was everything really equal?
Judge Harlan’s Dissent – Not everyone, including Judge Harlan, was in favor of the Court’s decision.
Plessy v. Ferguson: 100 Years Later – America has come a long way since Plessy v. Ferguson was decided in 1896.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Before Brown v. Board of Education, many cities had separate schools for white students and black students. The Supreme Court ruled that separate schools were unconstitutional. As a result, schools across the country were required to integrate. This decision not only allowed black students to receive a better education, it also was a sign of progress for the Civil Rights Movement.

Brown v. Board of Education: Virginia Responds – Learn how different states handled the Brown v. Board of Education decision.
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site – Explore the school that inspired Brown v. Board of Education and the major players.
BrainPOP: Brown vs. B.O.E. – Watch a short video, geared toward kids, outlining the case and view a timeline of the journey toward freedom and equality.
Dialogue on Brown v. Board of Education – Learn about some of the questions and issues Brown v. Board of Education presented.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Thanks to Gideon v. Wainwright, individuals who cannot afford a lawyer in criminal cases are appointed one by the courts. In this particular case, Gideon was charged with a felony and represented himself in court. He was sentenced to five years in prison. The Supreme Court ruled that by having to represent himself, Gideon was not given a fair trial.

Looking Back on Gideon v. Wainwright –Before Gideon v. Wainwright, multiple cases had addressed the topic, but this case reversed their decisions.
The Story of Gideon v. Wainwright – The landmark case is summarized in simpler terms.
Five Problems Facing Public Defense on the 40^th Anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright – Gideon v. Wainwright was a landmark decision, but problems still exist in the courts.
Gideon at 50 – 50 years later, how did Gideon v. Wainwright change the courts?
Architects of Gideon: Remembering Abe Fortas and Hugo Black – Learn some of the major players who helped lead the court to its historic decision.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Roe v. Wade may be one of the most controversial decisions in Supreme Court history. The case, which ruled women have the right to an abortion, continues to play a role in pro-life and pro-choice debates around the country. Many states have also created laws in defiance of Roe v. Wade, further regulating abortions.

Before and After Roe v. Wade – Review a timeline of the issue of abortion in American history.
Roe v. Wade at 40: A Look at its Legacy – Discover the legacy of Roe v. Wade and the impact it has had on American politics.
Roe v. Wade: Summary – A basic overview of the case will help understand its effects.
Before Roe v. Wade: Voices that Shaped the Abortion Debate Before the Supreme Court’s Ruling – Roe v. Wade may have been a landmark case, but it was not the first abortion fight.