Case Studies On Precedent-Setting Cases
✅ 1. Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Area: Constitutional Law – Judicial Review
Facts:
William Marbury was appointed as a justice of the peace at the end of President John Adams’s term. His commission, however, was not delivered before Thomas Jefferson took office. Jefferson instructed Secretary of State James Madison not to deliver it. Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus compelling Madison to issue the commission.
Legal Issues:
Did Marbury have a right to the commission?
Could the Supreme Court issue a writ of mandamus?
Is the Judiciary Act of 1789 constitutional?
Court’s Reasoning:
The Court agreed that Marbury was entitled to the commission. However, it held that the portion of the Judiciary Act of 1789 granting the Court power to issue such writs expanded the Court’s original jurisdiction beyond what the Constitution allowed. Therefore, that part of the Act was unconstitutional.
Outcome:
Marbury lost the case because the Court lacked jurisdiction.
Established “judicial review,” the power of courts to strike down laws that violate the Constitution.
Significance:
This is the foundation of the Supreme Court’s authority to interpret the Constitution and invalidate unconstitutional laws.
✅ 2. Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Area: Equal Protection – Civil Rights
Facts:
African American children were denied admission to public schools attended by white children under laws requiring racial segregation.
Legal Issue:
Did segregated public schools violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment?
Court’s Reasoning:
The Court unanimously held that segregated schools were inherently unequal, even if the physical facilities were similar. Segregation stigmatized Black children and harmed their psychological development.
Outcome:
Racial segregation in public schools was declared unconstitutional.
Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson’s “separate but equal” doctrine.
Significance:
The case became a cornerstone of the modern civil rights movement and transformed American law concerning racial equality.
✅ 3. Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
Area: Criminal Procedure – Fifth Amendment
Facts:
Ernesto Miranda confessed to a crime during police interrogation without being informed of his right to remain silent or his right to an attorney. His confession was used at trial.
Legal Issue:
Must police inform suspects of their constitutional rights before custodial interrogation?
Court’s Reasoning:
The Court held that interrogations are inherently coercive. To protect the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination, suspects must be informed of certain rights before questioning can begin.
Outcome:
The Court reversed Miranda’s conviction because the confession was obtained without proper warnings.
Established the Miranda warnings:
Right to remain silent
Anything said can be used against them
Right to an attorney
If unable to afford one, the state provides counsel
Significance:
Every law enforcement agency in the United States must follow the Miranda procedure during arrests and interrogations.
✅ 4. Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
Area: Criminal Defense – Sixth Amendment
Facts:
Clarence Gideon was charged with felony breaking and entering in Florida. He requested a court-appointed attorney because he couldn’t afford one. The court refused because state law only appointed counsel in capital cases. Gideon represented himself and was convicted.
Legal Issue:
Does the Sixth Amendment right to counsel apply to defendants in state courts?
Court’s Reasoning:
The Court held that the right to counsel is fundamental and essential for a fair trial. Without counsel, an indigent defendant cannot adequately defend themselves.
Outcome:
Gideon’s conviction was reversed.
States are required to provide attorneys to indigent defendants charged with serious crimes.
Significance:
This case made the right to counsel a universal protection and strengthened fair trial rights nationwide.
✅ 5. Roe v. Wade (1973)
Area: Privacy Rights – Fourteenth Amendment
Facts:
“Jane Roe” challenged a Texas law that criminalized most abortions, arguing it violated her constitutional rights.
Legal Issue:
Does the Constitution protect a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy?
Court’s Reasoning:
The Court held that the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment includes a right to privacy that protects a woman’s decision to have an abortion. However, the state also has interests in protecting health and potential life.
Outcome:
The Court established a trimester framework balancing a woman’s right to choose with state interests.
Significance:
Although later modified and eventually overturned (Dobbs v. Jackson, 2022), Roe was one of the most influential decisions defining constitutional privacy rights for decades.
✅ 6. Texas v. Johnson (1989)
Area: First Amendment – Freedom of Speech
Facts:
Gregory Johnson burned an American flag during a political protest. He was convicted under a Texas law prohibiting flag desecration.
Legal Issue:
Is flag burning protected speech under the First Amendment?
Court’s Reasoning:
The Court held that flag burning is expressive conduct intended to convey a political message. The government cannot prohibit speech simply because society finds it offensive.
Outcome:
Johnson’s conviction was overturned.
Significance:
This case reaffirmed that the First Amendment protects even highly controversial or offensive political expression.
✔️ Summary Table (Quick View)
| Case | Year | Issue | Key Holding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marbury v. Madison | 1803 | Judicial authority | Established judicial review |
| Brown v. Board | 1954 | Racial segregation | Segregated schools unconstitutional |
| Miranda v. Arizona | 1966 | Custodial rights | Required Miranda warnings |
| Gideon v. Wainwright | 1963 | Right to counsel | States must provide defense attorneys |
| Roe v. Wade | 1973 | Privacy & abortion | Recognized abortion rights (later overturned) |
| Texas v. Johnson | 1989 | Free speech | Flag burning protected speech |
RELATED Blog
comments