Gave the Supreme Court the power to strike down laws, a power the Constitution never explicitly granted.

Vote: 4–0

States cannot tax the federal government out of existence, and the federal government's powers are broader than what's written on paper.

Vote: 7–0

Even the President must obey a court order, no one is above the law.

Vote: 8–0

Declared that Black Americans, enslaved or free, could never be citizens. One of the worst decisions in the Court's history.

Vote: 7–2

Declared racial segregation constitutional, creating the 'separate but equal' doctrine that oppressed Black Americans for 60 years.

Vote: 7–1

Struck down racial segregation in public schools and demolished the 'separate but equal' lie.

Vote: 9–0

Struck down laws banning interracial marriage, because love doesn't get to be illegal.

Vote: 9–0

Established that free speech has limits, and gave us the famous 'shouting fire in a crowded theater' analogy.

Vote: 9–0

The government cannot stop newspapers from publishing, even secret government documents.

Vote: 6–3

Burning the American flag is protected free speech, even if it's deeply offensive to most people.

Vote: 5–4

You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to an attorney. Police must tell you this, or your confession can't be used.

Vote: 5–4

If you can't afford a lawyer, the government must provide one. Period.

Vote: 9–0

Evidence obtained by illegal police searches cannot be used in court, the 'exclusionary rule.'

Vote: 6–3

The Constitution protects a right to privacy, even though the word 'privacy' doesn't appear in it anywhere.

Vote: 7–2

Established a constitutional right to abortion, then was overturned 49 years later.

Vote: 7–2

Stopped the Florida recount and handed the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush.

Vote: 5–4

Corporations and unions have First Amendment rights, and can spend unlimited money influencing elections.

Vote: 5–4

Same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, nationwide.

Vote: 5–4