Bill of Rights
Tessa Wierichs
First Amendment Freedom of Religion
This case is about a 10th grade biology teacher, Susan Epperson. She argued that teaching evolution in a public school violates the first amendment. The amendment states that teaching "theory or doctrine that mankind ascended or descended from a lower order of animals" is forbidden. So in teaching that chapter of the book, she would be committing a crime. The court unanimously ruled in her favor, that the lesson is unconstitutional.
"First Amendment Schools: The Five Freedoms - Court Case." First Amendment Schools: The Five Freedoms - Court Case. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2015.
http://www.firstamendmentschools.org/freedoms/case.aspx?id=466
First Amendment Freedom of Speech
Hazelwood Sch. Dist. v. Kuhlmeier 1988
This case is about a high school newspaper wanting to publish articles about teen pregnancy and the impact of divorce on kids. The principal deleted them on the account that it will affect the pregnant teens in school. The parents quoted in the articles should also get a change to respond. The students sued, claiming a violation of their First Amendment. The court ruled in favor of the school being able to censor student publications.
"First Amendment Schools: The Five Freedoms - Court Case." First Amendment Schools: The Five Freedoms - Court Case. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2015. <http://www.firstamendmentschools.org/freedoms/case.aspx?id=186>.
First Amendment Freedom of Assembly
Bethel Sch. Dist. v. Fraser 1986
The case involves a student making a speech, at an assembly, while using sexual innuendos and profane language. The school suspended the student for violating the no-disruption rule. The student claimed that this violated his First Amendment rights because he caused no disruption. The court ruled, 7-2, in favor of the district.
"First Amendment Schools: The Five Freedoms - Court Case." First Amendment Schools: The Five Freedoms - Court Case. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2015. <http://www.firstamendmentschools.org/freedoms/case.aspx?id=35>.
first Amendment freedom of press
Mt Healthy City Sch. Dist. Board of Education v. Doyle 1977
A teacher disagreed with the new dress code so he put out a memo from the principle and sent it to the radio station, which reported on the dress code. When his contract was up for renewal, it was declined. He sued the school claiming his employment termination was because of his public opposition. The court decided in favor of the teacher being able to express his opinion is his right.
"First Amendment Schools: The Five Freedoms - Court Case." First Amendment Schools: The Five Freedoms - Court Case. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2015. <http://www.firstamendmentschools.org/freedoms/case.aspx?id=276>.
second Amendment Right to bear arms
This case involves a group of private gun owners petitioned that the gun control laws violate their Second Amendment right. Federal Court denied their request saying that those laws only apply to militias. U.S. Court disagreed, saying that the law protects private owners too. The Supreme Court finally ruled in favor of the individuals.
Fourth Amendment Search and arrest
Robinson was pulled over and the officer arrested him because of an invalid permit. The officer frisked Robinson and revealed 14 vials of heroin in his pocket. The Court upheld a search and concluded that the actions were legitimate.
sixth Amendment jury trial
In 1967 Florida passed legislation allowing six member juries. William was tried and convicted for robbery by such a jury. He lost and appealed to the Supreme Court. He said a jury less than 12 is in violation of the Sixth Amendment. They ruled in favor of the state because it doesn't require a specific number of jurors.
tenth Amendment
Bond was found guilty of trying to poison her husband's mistress, possessing and using chemical weaponry, mail theft and drug theft. Bond argued that the chemical weapon case was violating the Constitution's federalism limitations. Unanimously, the Court sided with Bond.