Lecture Notes on AP Government Court Cases

Introduction

• Discussion on significant court cases relevant to AP Government.
• Emphasis on understanding key decisions and their implications on law and society.

Key Court Cases

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

• Issue: Judicial review
• Decision: Established the principle of judicial review.
• Impact: Enhanced the power of the judicial branch by allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

• Issue: Federal power vs. state power
• Decision: Confirmed the supremacy of federal government over state governments.
• Impact: Validated the use of implied powers through the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

• Issue: Racial segregation in schools
• Decision: Declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.
• Impact: Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and promoted the civil rights movement.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

• Issue: Right to counsel
• Decision: Required states to provide attorneys for defendants who cannot afford one.
• Impact: Strengthened the rights of accused persons under the Sixth Amendment.

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

• Issue: Self-incrimination and the right to counsel
• Decision: Established Miranda rights, requiring police to inform suspects of their rights.
• Impact: Provided greater protection against self-incrimination and ensured fair police practices.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

• Issue: Abortion rights
• Decision: Recognized a woman's constitutional right to privacy extending to her choice to have an abortion.
• Impact: Prompted national debate over reproductive rights and set a precedent for future cases.

United States v. Nixon (1974)

• Issue: Executive privilege
• Decision: Limited the power of the president to claim executive privilege.
• Impact: Reinforced the rule of law and the principle that no one, not even the president, is above the law.

Conclusion

• These landmark cases highlight the evolving nature of constitutional law.
• Understanding these cases is crucial for comprehending the balance of power in American governance and the protection of individual rights.