After the Civil War, the 14th Amendment was passed to grant citizenship to former slaves and protect them from civil rights violations in their home states. Public schools were relatively rare throughout the United States, but were often segregated by race where they existed. The same Congress that passed the 14th Amendment created racially segregated schools for the District of Columbia. In the 20th century, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) began a litigation campaign designed to bring an end to state mandated segregation, calling attention to the shabby accommodations provided for blacks, as well as arguing the damaging psychological effects that segregation had on black school children. One case was brought on behalf of Linda Brown, a third-grader from Topeka, Kan.
U.S. v. Windsor (2013)
Does the DOMA deprive same-sex couples who are legally married under state laws of their Fifth Amendment rights to equal protection under federal law? This case study shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2013.
Van Orden v. Perry (2005)
Does placement of the Ten Commandments on state property in Texas violate the Establishment Clause? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answers this question in 2005.
Virginia v. Black (2003)
Does a Virginia law that criminalizes the burning of a cross on public or private property violate the First Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2003.
Virginia v. Moore (2008)
Is a warrantless search for driving with a suspended license reasonable even if it is not permitted under state law? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2008.
Watchtower Bible v. Stratton (2002)
Is an ordinance regulating the solicitation and canvassing of private homes a violation of free speech? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2002.
Wilson v. Layne (1999)
Are news media ride-alongs during the execution of a warrant in violation of the Fourth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 1999.
Wyoming v. Houghton (1999)
May police officers, with probable cause to search a car, inspect personal items belonging to its passengers without violating the Fourth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 1999.
Yarborough v. Alvarado (2004)
When deciding whether a suspect is “in custody” must an officer consider the suspect’s age and previous history with law enforcement? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2004.
Zelman v. Simmons Harris (2002)
Is a Cleveland scholarship program that allows parents to opt to send their children to religious private schools unconstitutional? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2002.