Bill Of Rights Project
Josh Brost
Freedom of Speech
"Facts and Case Summary - Snyder v. Phelps." United States Courts. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.
This case became famous due to the fact of the Westboro Baptist Church protesting military funerals. Snyder, a parent of a fallen veteran, took Phelps, the leader of the church, to court. The Church ultimately won the case because they were following their amendment rights, even though they protesting absurd things. MAny American's didn't feel it was right because protesting at a funeral should not be acceptable, especially a military funeral. This is an important case because now people may know their limits for the first amendment.
Freedom of Religion
"Van Orden v. Perry." Casebriefs Van Orden v Perry Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.
This case talked about if it was unconstitutional to have the
Ten Commandments outside of the Texas capitol building. While some may argue that it is forcing the religion on the people in Texas, it is not because the 17 monuments there have to do with the history of Texas. Because it was of something historical, it over-rode the ruling of separation with church and state. This is important because it expresses that not all religion has to be forced upon someone, and it represents what our Nation was founded upon.
The Right to Bear Arms
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In this article, it talks about how private gun owners were upset over the new gun laws. Many people think that only militias are protected in this amendment, but it is not true. Private gun owners are allowed the rights according to this case. This case is important because it provides insight on an amendment that is already very controversial.
Freedom Against Unreasonable Searches
"WILSON V. LAYNE." WILSON V. LAYNE. N.p., 24 Mar. 1999. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.
In this case, officers tried to arrest someone in their home. When the police arrived there, they had a warrant, but there were media members who also entered. This made the family feel like their privacy was taken away, because the photos were taken and published without their consent. Since this case, media "ride-alongs" are not allowed to enter a home without a warrant because it is infringing on someone's 4th amendment and privacy rights. Many people are happy with this because everyone likes to maintain their privacy in their own home.
The right to a Trial by Jury
"Ring V Arizona." Www.Oyez.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.
In this article, a man sentenced to death by a judge says his 6th amendment rights were infringed. This is true because the Judge was the only one to make the ruling on his sentence. if a jury would have sentenced him to death, then that would be ok. This case is important because it reminds people why we have an even government system, and what our founding fathers want in the judiciary system.
Freedom of Press
"Turner Broadcasting System v. Federal Communications Commission."Www.casebriefs.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.
This article talks about how cable companies thought it was a violation of the First Amendment for the FCC to regulate what stations are required to be on a certain company. This was important because the cable companies carried stations that violated the First Amendment, while some didn't. Overall, the ruling was that the FCC can regulate what stations are required since it is for regulating content, not regulating competition.
Freedom of Assembly
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This case was important for schools everywhere. The Good News Club wanted to hold a club meeting weekly in a public school. The school said no due to "religious worship" The Good News Club won because it was ruled that the school was denying their freedom to assemble and their freedom of speech. This is important because now clubs are free to assemble in a school building as long as the abide by school rules.
Freedom of Petition
"Court Delves into History in Rare Petition Case."Www.firstamendmentcenter.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.
In this case, a police officer felt it was unfair to change the rules twice since hes been their. He petitioned the grievances, but was denied. He then later states he was retaliated at illegally. The officer won the case. This is important because although rare, it states that people can petition a government action if they think it is unjust.