Notable Trials and Court Cases - 1973 to 1980

Law Library - American Law and Legal Information

ABSCAM Trials: 1980 1981 - Four-way Conspiracy, Untrustworthy Witness, Influential Senator Charged, Warning From Bench, No Acquittals

Defendants: First trial: Howard L. Criden, Angelo J. Errichetti, Louis C. Johanson, and Michael J. Myers; Second trial: Alexander Feinberg and Harrison A. Williams, Jr. Crimes Charged: Bribery and conspiracy Chief Defense Lawyers: First trial: Richard Ben-Veniste, Ray Brown, Plato Cacheris, and John Duffy; Second trial: Harry C. Batchelder, Jr. and George J. Koeizer Chief Prosecutors: Edward A. Mc…

2 minute read

Allied Structural Steel Co. v. Spannaus - Decision, Allied Is Finished With Minnesota--but Not Vice Versa, Not A "dead Letter"

Allied Structural Steel Company, an Illinois corporation Warren Spannaus, Attorney General of Minnesota That a Minnesota statute governing pensions and benefits protection violated the Contract Clause in Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution. George B. Christensen Byron E. Starns, Chief Deputy Attorney General of Minnesota Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, John Paul…

1 minute read

Ambach v. Norwick - Significance, Only Citizens Can Perform The Basic Tasks Of Government, They Want To Teach, But They Don't Want To Be Americans

Gordon M. Ambach, New York Commissioner of Education, and other state officials Susan Norwick, Tarja Dachinger Norwick and Dachinger should not receive permanent certification as public school teachers because they are not citizens and do not wish to become citizens. Judith A. Gordon, Assistant Attorney General of New York Bruce Ennis, Jr. Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. (writing for the Co…

1 minute read

Arkansas v. Sanders - Significance, Impact

State of Arkansas Lonnie James Sanders That a warrantless search of the respondent's private luggage did not constitute unreasonable search under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments. Joseph H. Purvis Jack T. Lassiter William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. (writing for the Court), John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart, Byron R. White Harry A. Blackmun, Willi…

less than 1 minute read

Arlington Heights v. Metropolitan Housing Corp. - Significance, Residential Zoning In Arlington Heights, Intent Versus Effect, Impact, Further Readings

The Village of Arlington Heights, Illinois Metropolitan Housing Development Corporation and several individual residents That a decision to deny rezoning on land owned by Metropolitan Housing Development Corporation was not racially motivated in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and conformed to the 1968 Fair Housing Act. F. Willis Caruso Jack M. Siegel Harry A. …

less than 1 minute read

Bakke V. University of California … Appeal: 1978 - Reverse Discrimination Claimed, Suggestions For Further Reading

Appellee: Allan Bakke Appellant: The Medical School of the University of California Appellee Claim: That the California Supreme Court erred in ruling that the school's special-admissions program for minorities violated Bakke's civil rights as a white male when he was denied admission Chief Lawyer for Appellee: Reynold H. Colvin Chief Lawyers for Appellant Archibald Cox, Paul J. Mishk…

2 minute read

Baldwin v. Montana Fish and Game Commission - Significance

Lester Baldwin, et al. Fish and Game Commission of Montana That Montana's state game regulations violated Article IV, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. James H. Goetz Paul A. Lenzini Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart William J. Brenn…

less than 1 minute read

Ballew v. Georgia - Significance, Fulton County Looks Behind The Green Door, The Court's Social-science Approach

Claude Davis Ballew State of Georgia That a Georgia law providing for juries of only five persons was in violation of the right to trial by jury guaranteed in the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution, and that by depriving the petitioner of his rights, this law further violated the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Michael Clutter Leonard W. Rhodes Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the C…

1 minute read

Bates v. State Bar of Arizona - Significance, Commercial Speech Doctrine Extended To Lawyer Advertising, Advertising Lawyers, Further Readings

John R. Bates, Van O'Steen State Bar of Arizona That state rules prohibiting lawyers from advertising violate the Sherman Antitrust Act by restraining trade, and violate the First Amendment by inhibiting free speech. William C. Canby, Jr. John P. Frank Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Jr., John Paul Stevens, Byron R. White Warren E. Burger, Lew…

1 minute read

Beal v. Doe - Significance, Title Xix, Medicaid, And Pennsylvania, A Question Of Statutory Construction, Dissent: Forcing Poor Women To Have Children

Beal, Secretary, Department of Public Welfare of Pennsylvania, et al. "Jane Doe" That Title XIX of the Social Security Act, a statute governing the federal Medicaid program, did not require states participating in that program to provide financial assistance for non-therapeutic abortions--i.e., abortions that are not deemed medically necessary. Norman J. Watkins Judd F. Crosby Warren E. Burger, Le…

less than 1 minute read

Bell v. Ohio - Significance, Ohio Sentences Bell To The Death Penalty, The High Court Strikes Down Ohio's Law

Willie Lee Bell State of Ohio That his conviction of aggravated murder, which resulted in a death sentence under the Ohio death penalty statute, violated his rights under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution by preventing the sentencing judge from taking into account mitigating factors with regard to his character and intelligence. H. Fred Hoefle Leonard Kirschner Harry A. Blac…

1 minute read

Bell v. Wolfish - Significance, Impact, Further Readings

Griffin B. Bell Louis Wolfish Regulations imposed on pretrial confinees by the New York City Metropolitan Correctional Center did not impinge upon pretrial detainees' constitutional rights (who, as temporary inmates awaiting trial, had the constitutional right to be regarded as detainees who were presumed innocent). Andrew L. Frey Phylis Skloot Bamberger Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Willia…

less than 1 minute read

Bellotti v. Baird - Significance, Impact

Francis X. Bellotti, Attorney General of Massachusetts William R. Baird, Jr. Massachusetts' Act to Protect Unborn Children and Maternal Health is constitutional even if minor women are not permitted to have an abortion without parental consent and cannot obtain a court order permitting abortion without notification of parents. Gerrick F. Cole Joseph J. Balliro, John H. Henn Harry A. Blackmun, Will…

1 minute read

Bigelow v. Virginia - Significance, Impact

Jeffrey C. Bigelow Commonwealth of Virginia That the Virginia statute banning abortion advertising under which he was convicted was an unconstitutional violation of his First Amendment rights. Melvin L. Wulf and John C. Lowe D. Patrick Lacy, Jr. Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, William O. Douglas, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Potter …

1 minute read

Bordenkircher v. Hayes - Significance, Impact, Pro And Con: Plea Bargaining, Further Readings

Don Bordenkircher, Kentucky State Penitentiary Superintendent, et al. Paul Lewis Hayes Hayes claimed he had been denied his right to due process when, during plea bargaining, he was faced with either pleading guilty to a lesser charge or, if he entered a plea of "not guilty," facing prosecution under a Kentucky recidivist law that carried a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. Robert L. Chenow…

1 minute read

Broadrick v. Oklahoma - Significance, "overbreadth" Called Into Question, The Dissent On First Amendment Grounds

William M. Broadrick and two other state employees Oklahoma State Personnel Board That Section 818 of the Oklahoma State Merit System Act, which forbids state employees from taking part in political fund-raising or campaigning except as private citizens, was overbroad and vague, thus forbidding activities which are constitutionally protected under the First Amendment. John C. Buckingham Mike D. Ma…

1 minute read

Buckley v. Valeo - Decision, Significance, Court Distinguished Campaign Contributions From Expenditures

James L. Buckley Francis R. Valeo, Secretary of the U.S. Senate That various provisions of amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA), regulating campaign contributions, violate the separation of powers doctrine, the First Amendment, and the Fifth Amendment. Ralph K. Winter, Jr., Joel M. Gora, Brice M. Claggett Daniel M. Friedman, Archibald Cox, Lloyd M. Cutler, Ralph S. Spritz…

1 minute read

Butz v. Economou - Significance, The Lower Court Rulings, Officials Entitled To Qualified Immunity, Officials Not Liable For Mistakes In Judgment

Earl L. Butz Arthur N. Economou That federal officials acting within the scope of their authority have absolute immunity for allegedly unconstitutional acts. Daniel M. Friedman David C. Buxbaum Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Byron R. White (writing for the Court) Warren E. Burger, William H. Rehnquist, John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart Washingt…

1 minute read

Califano v. Goldfarb - Significance

Joseph A. Califano, Jr., Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare on behalf of the Social Security benefits program Leon Goldfarb, on behalf of widowers seeking survivors benefits from the program That the Social Security Act's gender-based distinction requiring widowers to prove that they were dependent on their spouses for at least half of their support in order to receive survivor benefits, …

1 minute read

Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp. v. Public Service Commission of NewYork - Significance, The Four-part Test, Questioning The Four-part Test, Further Readings

Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp. Public Service Commission of New York That a regulation by the New York Public Service Commission, banning the use of promotional advertising by the electrical utility Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp., was a restraint of commercial speech under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Telford Taylor Peter H. Schiff Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., …

less than 1 minute read

Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleur - Significance, Mandatory Maternity Leave, A Violation Of Due Process?, Impact, Maternity Leave, Further Readings

Cleveland Board of Education, et al. Jo Carol LaFleur, Ann Elizabeth Nelson That a school board policy mandating that pregnant teachers go on an unpaid leave of absence beginning five months before the expected birth of the child and ending the school semester after the child is three months old was constitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment. Charles F. Clarke Jane M. Picker Harry A. Blackmun, …

1 minute read

Colautti v. Franklin - Significance, A Specific Definition Of Viability, An Intrusion Upon The Police Powers Of The States

Aldo Colautti John Franklin, M.D. That a Pennsylvania statute dealing with abortion and the viability of fetuses was not unconstitutionally vague. Carol Los Mansmann Roland Morris Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart Warren E. Burger, William H. Rehnquist, Byron R. White Washington, D.C. 9 Jan…

1 minute read

Collin v. Smith: 1977 - Nazis Must Be Allowed To March, Suggestions For Further Reading

Plaintiff: Frank Collin, on behalf of the National Socialist Party of America Defendant: Albert Smith, as president of the Village of Skokie, Illinois Plaintiff Claims: That Skokie had illegally prevented the American Nazis from holding a political march Chief Defense Lawyers: Gilbert Gordon and Harvey Schwartz Chief Lawyer for Plaintiff: David A. Goldberger Judge: Bernard M. Decker Place: Chicago…

1 minute read

Columbia Broadcasting System v. The Democratic National Committee - Significance, Is Ad Space/time Public?

Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Business Executives' Move for Vietnam Peace (BEM) Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc. That CBS's refusal to sell advertising time to the plaintiffs for expressing controversial views violated First Amendment rights. J. Roger Wollenberg Thomas R. Asher Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), William O. Douglas, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Wi…

1 minute read

Communist Party of Indiana v. Whitcomb - Significance, Court Strikes Law Down

The Communist Party of Indiana, certain of its officers and potential voters, and its candidates for president and vice-president in the 1972 general election The Indiana state election board and its members That the state's rule requiring political parties to submit a written oath stating that they will not advocate the overthrow of the federal, state or local government by violence or force in o…

1 minute read

Cox Broadcasting Corp. v. Cohn - Significance, The Circumstances, At Issue: Privacy, At Issue: Censorship, The Court's Decision

Cox Broadcasting Corp. Martin Cohn That a television station, newspaper, or other media outlet has the right to make public the name of a crime victim, if it was obtained through standard access to public documents. Kirk McAlpin Stephen A. Land Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, William O. Douglas, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Potter Stewart, Byron R. White (…

1 minute read

Craig v. Boren - Significance, Further Readings

Curtis Craig, for men between the ages of 18 and 21 wanting to purchase 3.2 percent beer in the state of Oklahoma and Ms. Whitener, a licensed vendor for 3.2 percent beer, for other vendors. David Boren, Governor of Oklahoma That Oklahoma laws prohibiting the sale of 3.2 percent beer to males under 21 and females under 18 discriminated against males between the ages of 18 and 21. Frederick P. Gilb…

less than 1 minute read

Daniel James White Trial: 1979 - Double Execution, Unique Defense

Defendant: Daniel James White Crime Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyers: Douglas Schmidt and Stephen Scherr Chief Prosecutor: Thomas F. Norman Judge: Walter F. Calcagno Place: San Francisco, California Dates of Trial: April 25-May 21, 1979 Verdict: Guilty, Voluntary Manslaughter Sentence: 7 years, 8 months. SIGNIFICANCE: Celebrity murder trials inevitably attract massive media coverage. What mad…

1 minute read

Davis v. Alaska - The Facts Of The Case, The Majority Decision, The Dissent, Impact, Separate Rights For Juveniles?

Joshaway Davis State of Alaska By being prohibited from cross-examining a prosecution witness regarding the witness's status as a juvenile offender (under a state law protecting the anonymity of juvenile offenders), petitioner was denied his right to confront witnesses under the Sixth (and Fourteenth) Amendments. Robert H. Wagstaff Charles M. Merriner Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Wa…

1 minute read

Delaware v. Prouse - Significance, Impact, Drunk Driving And Drug Use, Further Readings

State of Delaware William J. Prouse III Random vehicle stops by state patrolmen are justified by a compelling state interest to promote traffic safety. Charles M. Oberly III David M. Lukoff Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart, Byron R. White (writing for the Court) William H. Rehnquist Washington, …

less than 1 minute read

Doe v. Bolton - Significance, Health Includes Physical, Emotional, And Psychological Well-being, The Issue Should Be Left To The People

Mary Doe Arthur K. Bolton, Attorney General of Georgia That a Georgia abortion law was unconstitutional because it invaded the rights of privacy and liberty, denied equal protection and procedural due process, and was vague. Margie Pitts Hames Dorothy T. Beasley Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, William O. Douglas, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Pow…

1 minute read

Doe v. McMillan - Significance, The Lower Court Rulings, The Supreme Court Ruling, Legislative Acts Immune From Suit

John Doe John L. McMillan That U.S. Representatives, their staffs, and Government Printing Office officials should all be held liable for the distribution of a report defaming Washington, D.C. school children. Fred M. Vinson, William C. Cramer, David P. Sutton Michael Valder William J. Brennan, Jr., William O. Douglas, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Potter Stewart, Byron R. White (writin…

1 minute read

Dothard v. Rawlinson - Case Background, The District Court Rules, A Split Decision, Dissenting Opinions, Further Readings

E. C. Dothard, et al. Dianne Rawlinson, et al. That an Alabama law establishing height and weight requirements for state prison guards and barring women from serving as guards in male prisons was permissible under federal civil rights law. C. Daniel Evans Pamela S. Horowitz Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, …

1 minute read

Doyle v. Ohio - Significance

Jefferson Doyle State of Ohio That the prosecutor's use of Doyle's post-arrest silence during his trial for the purpose of casting doubt on Doyle's testimony violated the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. James R. Willis Ronald L. Collins William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. (writing for the Court), Potter Stewart, Byron R. White Harry A.…

less than 1 minute read

Ed Cantrell Trial: 1979 - Shredded Prosecution, Fireworks In The Courtroom, Humble Pie Is Hard To Digest - Shredded Evidence

Defendant: Edward Cantrell Crime Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyer: Gerald L. Spence Chief Prosecutors: Preliminary Hearing: Robert Bath; Trial: Robert Pickett Judges: Preliminary Hearing: Nena Stafford; Trial: Kenneth Hamm Place: Rock Springs, Wyoming Dates of Trials: Preliminary Hearing: November 13, 1978-February 7, 1979; Trial: November 12-30, 1979 Verdict: Not guilty SIGNIFICANCE: The case…

2 minute read

Federal Communications Commission v. Pacifica Foundation - Obscene Or Offensive Speech, Filthy Words, Patently Offensive Language Hits The Fan, Legal Proceedings

Federal Communications Commission Pacifica Foundation, et al. That "patently offensive," although not necessarily obscene, speech should be subject to federal regulation. Joseph A. Marino Harry M. Plotkin Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, John Paul Stevens (writing for the Court) William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Potter Stewart, Byron R. Whi…

1 minute read

Foley v. Connelie - Decision, Significance, The Rights Of Immigrants, Impact

Edmund Foley William G. Connelie, S. A. Smith Edmund Foley, an alien with legal permanent residence in the United States, claimed that his rights under the Fourteenth Amendment were violated because he was excluded by New York State statute from taking a preliminary state police examination. Jonathan A. Weiss Judith A. Gordon Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), Lewis F. Po…

less than 1 minute read

Frontiero v. Richardson - Further Readings

The facts of the case illustrated the disparate treatment built into U.S. society concerning the role of women. Sharron Frontiero was a U.S. Air Force officer who was married to Joseph Frontiero, a full-time student at a college near the Alabama base where Sharron was stationed. Congress had passed a law that provided fringe benefits to members of the armed forces in the hopes that they would re-e…

5 minute read

Fullilove v. Klutznick - The Facts Of The Case, The Supreme Court Decides, The Dissenting Opinion, Public Works Employment Act

H. Earl Fullilove, et al. Philip M. Klutznick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce That a provision in the law requiring that ten percent of all federal funds for local public works projects go to minority-owned businesses violates the U.S. Constitution. Robert G. Benisch, Robert J. Hickey Drew S. Days III Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), Thurgood Marsha…

1 minute read

Gannett Co. v. DePasquale - Significance, Impact, Guarantee To A Public Trial

Gannett Co., Inc. Daniel A. DePasquale, Seneca County Court Judge That exclusion of the press from a pretrial hearing was tantamount to denying a public right of access to trials and violated the First, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. Robert C. Bernius Bernard Kobroff Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, Potter Stewart (writing for the Court), Jo…

1 minute read

Gary Mark Gilmore Trial: 1976 - No Defense

Defendant: Gary Mark Gilmore Crime Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyers: Michael Esplin and Craig Snyder Chief Prosecutor: Noall T. Wootton Judge: J. Robert Bullock Place: Provo, Utah Dates of Trial: October 5-7, 1976 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: Death SIGNIFICANCE: Convicted killer Gary Gilmore's craving for self-destruction fueled a re-examination of capital punishment in America and led to…

1 minute read

Geduldig v. Aiello - Significance, Four Women, Different Pregnancies, Another Court Heard, Is Normal Pregnancy A Disability?

Dwight Geduldig, director of the California Department of Human Resources Development Carolyn Aiello, Augustina Armendariz, Elizabeth Johnson, Jacqueline Jaramillo That the district court erred when it ruled that California was required to pay disability benefits to private employees temporarily disabled by their pregnancies. Joanne Condas Wendy W. Williams William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burge…

less than 1 minute read

Inc. Gertz v. Robert Welch - Defamation In Common Law, Precedent, Thegertz Case, A Balance, Gertz Not A Public Figure

Elmer Gertz Robert Welch, Inc. That an article in the respondent's magazine had defamed him, and that the respondent was liable for damages. Wayne B. Giampietro Clyde J. Watts Harry A. Blackmun, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, Potter Stewart William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, William O. Douglas, Byron R. White Washington, D.C. 25 June …

1 minute read

Goss v. Lopez - Significance, The Lower Court Rulings, The Majority's Argument, The Dissent, Further Readings

Norval Goss, et al. Eileen Lopez, et al. That the suspension of a public school student without a hearing does not violate the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Thomas A. Bustin Peter D. Roos William J. Brennan, Jr., William O. Douglas, Thurgood Marshall, Potter Stewart, Byron R. White (writing for the Court) Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnq…

less than 1 minute read

Greer v. Spock - Significance, A Military Mission, A Long Court Battle, Discrimination Or Not?, A Dissenting View

Commander Greer, Fort Dix Military Reservation Benjamin Spock, M.D., Julius Hobson, Linda Jenness, Andrew Pulley, et al. That the Court should overturn two lower courts' rulings, which had forbidden him to interfere with candidates of the People's Party and the Socialist Workers Party as they distributed literature and held political meetings in areas of Fort Dix that were open to the public. Robe…

1 minute read

Gregg v. Georgia - Significance, Death Penalty Upheld Under Certain Circumstances, Caryl Chessman Trial, Further Readings

Troy Leon Gregg State of Georgia That the death penalty, even when imposed under the safeguards applied in the state of Georgia, violates the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. G. Hughel Harrison G. Thomas Davis Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart (writing for the Court), Byron R. White William J. B…

less than 1 minute read

Harris v. McRae - Significance, The Hyde Amendment, Back At The District Court, Returning To The Supreme Court

Secretary of Health and Human Services Patricia R. Harris, joined by Senators James L. Buckley and Jesse A. Helms, and Representative Henry J. Hyde as "intervenor-defendants" Cora McRae, on behalf of herself and all New York state women similarly situated, and the New York City Health and Hospitals Corp. That the Hyde Amendment was constitutional, and that states did not have to pay the costs of i…

less than 1 minute read

Herbert v. Lando - Significance, Significant Facts, The State Of The Law In 1979, The Court's Analysis

Anthony Herbert Barry Lando, et al. In a libel suit, a plaintiff should have the right to discover and inquire into the editorial process and states of mind of those responsible for the publication, in order to meet plaintiff's burden of proving "actual malice." Jonathan W. Lubbell Floyd Abrams Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist…

1 minute read

Hicklin v. Orbeck - Significance, Work For Residents Only, Many States, One Nation, Whose Resources Are They?

Tommy Ray Woodruff, Frederick A. Mathers, Emmett Ray, Betty Cloud, Joseph G. O'Brien, et al. Edmund Orbeck, Alaska Commissioner of Labor That the "Alaska Hire" statute, giving Alaska residents preference in all hiring for jobs created by the state's oil and gas industry was unconstitutional. Robert H. Wagstaff Ronald W. Lorensen, Assistant Attorney General of Alaska Harry A. Blackmun, William J. B…

less than 1 minute read

Houchins v. KQED - Significance, Freedom To Gather News, The Press Serves The Public, Impact, Talk Radio In The United States

Thomas L. Houchins, Sheriff of the County of Alameda, California KQED, Inc. That the news media has no special constitutional right of access to a county jail beyond that of the public to interview, photograph, and sound record inmates and the facility for publication and broadcasting purposes. Kelvin H. Booty, Jr. William Bennett Turner Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnqui…

1 minute read

Hutchinson v. Proxmire - Significance, The District Court's Ruling, The Supreme Court Steps In, Speech Or Debate Clause

Ronald Hutchinson Senator William Proxmire That negative statements against Hutchinson issued by Senator Proxmire in a press release, a newsletter, and a television interview are not protected under the Speech or Debate Clause. Michael E. Cavanaugh Alan Raywid Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), William O. Douglas, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnqu…

1 minute read

Hutto v. Finney - Background, The Violations Continue, Some Justices Back Petitioner, Supreme Court Upholds Decision, Holt V. Sarver

Terrell Don Hutto, et al. Robert Finney, et al. That confining prisoners to isolation cells for more than 30 days is not a violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments and that the Department of Corrections is exempt from paying the attorney fees of the defendant under the Eleventh Amendment. Garner L. Taylor, Jr. Philip E. Kaplan Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall,…

1 minute read

In the Matter of Karen Ann Quinlan: 1975 - Accepted Standards Vs. Right To Die, Decision Is Appealed, Suggestions For Further Reading

Plaintiff: Joseph T. Quinlan Defendant: St. Clare's Hospital Plaintiff Claim: That doctors at St. Clare's Hospital should obey Mr. Quinlan's instructions to disconnect his comatose daughter from her respirator and allow her to die Chief Defense Lawyers: Ralph Porzio (for Karen Quinlan's physicians), Theodore Einhorn (for the hospital), New Jersey State Attorney General …

2 minute read

In the Matter of Quinlan - Significance, Accepted Standards Vs. Right To Die, Decision Is Appealed, Do States That Allow Assisted Suicide Find An Increase In Intentional Suicide Rates?

Joseph T. Quinlan St. Clare's Hospital That doctors at St. Clare's Hospital should obey Mr. Quinlan's instructions to disconnect his comatose daughter from her respirator and allow her to die. Paul W. Armstrong, James Crowley Ralph Porzio (for Karen Quinlan's physicians), Theodore Einhorn (for the hospital), New Jersey State Attorney General William F. Hyland, Morris County Prosecutor Donald G. Co…

less than 1 minute read

In re Primus - Significance

Edna Smith Primus Supreme Court of South Carolina That the Disciplinary Board of the South Carolina Supreme Court, by issuing Primus a public reprimand, violated her First Amendment rights to freely engage in association as a political activity, as a cooperating lawyer with the ACLU. Ray P. McClain Richard B. Kale, Jr., Assistant Attorney General of South Carolina Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burg…

1 minute read

Ingraham et al. v. Wright et al. - Significance, Cruel And Unusual Punishment?, "the Openness Of The School Environment", "punishments So Barbaric And Inhumane"

James Ingraham and Roosevelt Andrews, students at Drew Junior High School, Dade County, Florida Willie J. Wright, principal at Drew Junior High School; Lemmie Deliford, assistant principal; Solomon Barnes, assistant to the principal; Edward L. Whigham, superintendent of the Dade County School System That the corporal punishment they had received at Drew Junior High School had deprived them of thei…

1 minute read

Jean Harris Trial: 1980-81 - An Awkward Start, Harris Testifies, Defense Goes For Broke And Loses, Relentless Appeals Finally Succeed

Defendant: Jean S. Harris Crime Charged: Second-degree murder Chief Defense Lawyer: Joel Aurnou Chief Prosecutor: George Bolen Judge: Russell R. Leggett Place: White Plains, New York Dates of Trial: November 21, 1980-February 24, 1981 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: 15 years to life SIGNIFICANCE: Jean Harris' trial was initially famous for the celebrity of the lover she was accused of murdering, …

1 minute read

Jeffrey Robert MacDonald Trial: 1979 - The Trial, At Last, Drama In Court, Murderer Sues Writer

Defendant: Jeffrey Robert MacDonald Crime Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyers: Bernard L. Segal and Wade Smith Chief Prosecutors: James L. Blackburn and Brian Murtagh Judge: Franklin T. Dupree Place: Raleigh, N.C. Dates of Trial: July 16-August 29, 1979 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: Life imprisonment SIGNIFICANCE: The horror of the triple murder and the long delay between the crime and the trial alo…

2 minute read

Jenkins v. Georgia - Significance, "i Know It When I See It", An "obscenely Boring" Film, Defining Obscenity

Billy Jenkins State of Georgia That he had been wrongfully convicted under a Georgia state obscenity statute that had made it illegal for him to show the film Carnal Knowledge. Louis Nizer Tony H. Hight Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, William O. Douglas, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Potter Stewart, Byron R. Whi…

1 minute read

Joan Little Trial: 1975 - Sexual Advance Prompts Killing, A Quick Acquittal

Defendant: Joan Little Crime Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyers: Jerry Paul, Morris Dees, Marvin Miller, Karen Galloway, James Gillespie, and Milton Williamson Chief Prosecutors: William Griffin, John Wilkinson, and Lester Chalmers Judge: Hamilton Hobgood Place: Raleigh, North Carolina Dates of Trial: July 14-August 15, 1975 Verdict: Not guilty SIGNIFICANCE: A mix of sex, race, murder, and unpr…

1 minute read

John Wayne Gacy Trial: 1980 - Gacy Confesses, Trial Focuses On Gacy's Sanity

Defendant: John Wayne Gacy, Jr. Crimes Charged: Murder, murder during the commission of a felony, aggravated kidnapping, deviate sexual assault, indecent liberties with a minor Chief Defense Lawyers: Sam Amirante, Robert Morra Chief Prosecutors: William Kunkle, Robert Egan, Terry Sullivan Judge: Louis B. Garripo Place: Cook County, Illinois Date of Trial: February 6-March 12, 1980 Verdict: Guilty …

1 minute read

Jurek v. Texas - Significance, Action And Reaction, Constitutional Infringement?, Impact, Types Of Capital Punishment, Further Readings

Jerry Lane Jurek State of Texas The death penalty was cruel and unusual punishment and violated the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. Anthony G. Amsterdam John L. Hill Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, John Paul Stevens (writing for the Court), Potter Stewart, Byron R. White William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall Washingto…

less than 1 minute read

Kahn v. Shevin - The Facts Of The Case, The Lower Courts Rule, The Supreme Court Decides, Dissenting Opinions

Mel Kahn Robert L. Shevin, et al. That a Florida law granting a tax exemption to widows but not widowers was unconstitutional. Sydney H. McKenzie III Ruth Bader Ginsburg Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, William O. Douglas (writing for the Court), Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Potter Stewart, William H. Rehnquist William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Byron R. White Washington, D.C. 24 April 1974 …

1 minute read

Keyes v. School District No. 1 - Significance, Schools In Transition, Mixed Legal Messages, Modification And Remand, Resolution, Impact

Keyes, et al. School District No. 1, Denver, Colorado That the deliberate segregation of Park Hill neighborhood schools rendered the entire Denver Public School system liable to enforced desegregation. James M. Nabrit III, Gordon G. Greiner William K. Ris Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr. (writing for the Court), Warren E. Burger, William O. Douglas, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr…

less than 1 minute read

Leonard Peltier Trial: 1977 - Arrest, Escape, Extradition, "it Was The Agents …", Myrtle Poor Bear Irrelevant, Appeals Denied

Defendant: Leonard Peltier Crime Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyers: Bruce Ellison, Lew Gurwitz, William Kuntsler, Elliott Taikeff Chief Prosecutors: Lynn Crooks, Evan Hultman, Robert Sikma Judge: Paul Benson Place: Fargo, North Dakota Date of Trial: March 16— April 18, 1977 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: Life imprisonment (two consecutive terms) SIGNIFICANCE: Countless observers find in this…

1 minute read

Lockett v. Ohio - Significance, Did She Deserve To Die?, Deciding Who Shall Die, The Mitigating Factors, The Evidence A Defendant Can Present

Sandra Lockett State of Ohio That the Ohio death penalty statute--which limited the number of mitigating factors that a judge passing sentence could take into account--was unconstitutional. Anthony G. Amsterdam Carl M. Layman III Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart William H. Rehnquist, Byron R. Whi…

1 minute read

Mahan v. Howell - Significance, What Is The Percentage?, Home-port Or Home Address?, Flexibility And Local Control

Mahan, Secretary, Virginia State Board of Elections, and others Henry E. Howell, Jr., Clive L. DuVal II, City of Norfolk, and others The district court had invalidated the Virginia General Assembly's plan for redistricting in state elections and had substituted an unfair plan of its own. Andrew P. Miller, Attorney General of Virginia Henry E. Howell, Jr., and Clive L. DuVal II, arguing for themsel…

1 minute read

Maher v. Roe - Significance, Doctor's Certification Needed, Not A Protected Class, A Distressing Insensitivity, Legal Consequences Of Maher V. Roe

Maher, Connecticut Commissioner of Social Services Mary Poe, Susan Roe That the Connecticut Welfare Department regulation that limits state Medicaid benefits for first trimester abortions to those that are "medically necessary" violates the Fourteenth Amendment rights of low-income women to equal protection under the law, since the state did provide Medicaid benefits to cover childbirth expenses. …

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Marvin Mandel Trial: 1977 - Tried, Convicted, And Ultimately Acquitted

Defendant: Maryland Governor Marvin Mandel Crimes Charged: Mail fraud and racketeering Chief Defense Lawyers: M. Albert Figinski, Eugene Gressman, D. Christopher Ohly, and Arnold M. Weiner Chief Prosecutors: Russell T. Baker, Jr., Daniel J. Hurson, Barnet D. Skolnik, and Elizabeth H. Trimble Judge: Robert L. Taylor Place: Baltimore, Maryland Dates of Trial: June 1-August 21, 1977 Verdict: Guilty, …

1 minute read

The Marvin V. Marvin "Palimony" Suit: 1979 - Trial Enthralls Spectators, Career Claim Fails, Suggestions For Further Reading

Plaintiff: Michelle Triola Marvin Defendant: Lee Marvin Plaintiff Claim: That Michelle Triola Marvin was entitled to half of Lee Marvin's earnings during the six years they spent together as an unmarried couple Chief Defense Lawyers: Mark Goldman and A. David Kagon Chief Lawyer for Plaintiff: Marvin Mitchelson Judge: Arthur K. Marshall Place: Los Angeles, California Dates of Trial: January …

2 minute read

Massachusetts Board of Retirement v. Murgia - Significance, Rationality Of Mandatory Retirement, Not The Best Means . . . But Rational Means, Impact

Massachusetts Board of Retirement, et al. Robert D. Murgia The state of Massachusetts Board of Retirement believed their provision for mandatory retirement of police officers at age 50 was rationally related to the interest of protecting the public and therefore did not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Terence P. O'Malley Robert D. City Harry A. Blackmun, William J.…

1 minute read

Mathews v. Eldridge - Significance, Due Process Is Flexible, Hearing Should Come Before Termination Of Benefits, Impact

Forrest D. Mathews, U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare George Eldridge That an evidentiary hearing prior to the termination of Social Security disability benefits is not a requirement of due process. Robert H. Bork, U.S. Solicitor General Donald E. Earles Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, Potter Stewart, Byron R. …

less than 1 minute read

Miami Herald Publishing Company v. Tornillo - Significance, Appeal Goes To The U.s. Supreme Court, "free Press" Refers To Press Only

The Miami Herald Publishing Company, Division of Knight Newspapers, Inc. Pat L. Tornillo, Jr. That the Miami Herald did not have to print Tornillo's response to critical editorials published by the paper during his campaign for public office. Daniel P. S. Paul Jerome A. Barron Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), William O. Douglas, Thurgood Marshal…

less than 1 minute read

Miller v. California - Significance, The Miller Standard For Obscenity

Marvin Miller State of California That the state of California's definition of obscenity conflicted with that set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court, and that the Appellant's conviction in California State Court should be overturned. Burton Marks Michael R. Capizzi Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, Byron R. White William J. Brenna…

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Milliken v. Bradley - Significance, Busing: Was It Worth It?, Further Readings

Ronald Bradley and Richard Bradley, by their mother, Verda Bradley, et al. William G. Milliken, Governor of Michigan, et al. The Detroit School System was racially segregated as a result of official Michigan policies and actions, as well as those of city officials. Also, they attacked the constitutionality of a Michigan state statute because, they said, it "put the State of Michigan in the positio…

1 minute read

Mincey v. Arizona - Significance

Rufus Junior Mincey The State of Arizona That a search of his home conducted by police officers who did not first obtain a search warrant violated his Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches, and therefore his criminal conviction based on evidence seized during the search was invalid. Richard Oseran Galen H. Wilkes Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, Thu…

1 minute read

Moore v. East Cleveland - Sanctity Of The Family, The Dissenting Opinions, Impact

Inez Moore City of East Cleveland, Ohio Moore claimed that the city of East Cleveland's housing ordinance, limiting the occupancy of a housing unit to a single family, violated her rights to due process and equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by the ordinance's narrow definition of "family." Edward R. Stege, Jr. Leonard Young Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brenn…

1 minute read

Morton v. Mancari - Significance, Preferences And The Fifth Amendment, Native Americans Not Ethnic, Impact

Rogers Clark Morton, U.S. Secretary of Interior Mancari, et al. That the federal government's use of Native American preferences in personnel decisions did not violate equal protection under the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment. Harry R. Sachse Gene E. Franchini Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, William O. Douglas, Thurgood Marshall, Lew…

1 minute read

Murray R. Gold Trials: 1976-92 - A Former Son-in-law, A Dead Culprit?, Second Trial, … Waving In The Wind"

Defendant: Murray R. Gold Crime Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyers: First and second trials: Victor Ferrante, William Kuntsler, Timothy Moynahan; Third trial: John Williams; Fourth trial: William Collins, Nicholas Serignese Chief Prosecutors: John A. Connelly, Francis McDonald, Walter Scanlon, Marcia Smith Judges: First trial: Robert A. Wall; Second trial: George A. Saden; Third trial: Charles …

1 minute read

National League of Cities v. Usery - Significance, A Violation Of The Tenth Amendment, The Court Affirms, Dissent: The Tenth As A "truism"

National League of Cities, et al. W. J. Usery Jr., U.S. Secretary of Labor That 1974 congressional amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act, placing state governments under the authority of minimum wage and maximum hour provisions in the act, constituted a violation of the Tenth Amendment. Charles S. Rhyne Robert Bork, U.S. Solicitor General Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, …

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Nebraska Press Association v. Stuart - Significance, Related Cases, The "little Lindbergh Law"

Nebraska Press Association Judge Hugh Stuart The gag order violates freedom of press. E. Barrett Prettyman, Jr. Harold Mosher, Assistant Attorney General of Nebraska Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart, Byron R. White None Washington, D.C. 30 June 1976 …

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O'Connor v. Donaldson - Significance, Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, Further Readings

Kenneth Donaldson Dr. J. B. O'Connor That O'Connor, as the representative of the Florida State Hospital at Chattahoochee, had violated Donaldson's constitutional rights by keeping him in custody against his will for nearly 15 years for his supposed mental illness. Raymond W. Gearney Bruce J. Ennis, Jr. Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, William O. Douglas, Thurgood Marsh…

less than 1 minute read

Orr v. Orr - Significance, Questions Never Asked, A Woman's Place Is . . ., A Divorce Decision Changes The Meaning Of Marriage

William Herbert Orr Lillian M. Orr That Alabama's alimony statutes were unconstitutional. John L. Capell III W. F. Horsley Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr. (writing for the Court), Thurgood Marshall, John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart, Byron R. White Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist Washington, D.C. 5 March 1979 Invalidated Alabama's statutes by which husbands,…

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Parham v. J. R. - Significance, Two Tragic Predicaments, The Due Process Argument, Minors And The Constitution

Parham, Commissioner, Department of Human Resources, et al. J. R., et al. That a federal district court had erred in ruling that a minor was allowed a hearing prior to being committed to a mental institution. John L. Cromartie, Jr. R. Douglas Lackey Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, Potter Stewart, Byron R. White William J. Bre…

less than 1 minute read

Paris Adult Theatre v. Slaton District Attorney - Significance, Regulation--or Censorship?

Paris Adult Theatre, et al. Lewis R. Slaton, District Attorney, et al. That the adult films that they were showing were protected under First Amendment Rights. Thomas E. Moran Robert Eugene Smith Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, Byron R. White William J. Brennan, Jr., Potter Stewart, Thurgood Marshall, William O. Douglas Washi…

less than 1 minute read

Patty Hearst Trial: 1976 - Patty Becomes Tania, Captured And Arrested, Defendant Takes The Stand, Psychiatrists Testify Of Brainwashing

Defendant: Patricia C. Hearst Crimes Charged: Bank robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony Chief Defense Attorneys: F. Lee Bailey and J. Albert Johnson Chief Prosecutor: James L. Browning, Jr. Judge: Oliver J. Carter Place: San Francisco, California Dates of Trial: February 4-March 20, 1976 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: 7 years imprisonment SIGNIFICANCE: Observers expected Patty Hea…

1 minute read

Paul v. Davis - Significance, Due Process Clause Invoked, No Violation Of Fourteenth Amendment Rights Found, Minority Opinion

Edgar Paul Edward Charles Davis III A published flyer which contained the name and picture of the respondent who was charged (but not convicted) for "shoplifting" did not violate privacy as provided by Fourteenth Amendment due process guarantees. Carson P. Potter Daniel T. Taylor Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Potter Stewart…

1 minute read

Payton v. New York - Significance, Warrant Required For Entry Of A Home, A Common Law Rule, Impact, Further Readings

Theodore Payton, Obie Riddick State of New York That a New York statute authorizing police to enter a home without a warrant to make an arrest violates the Fourth Amendment. William E. Hellerstein Peter L. Zimroth Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., John Paul Stevens (writing for the Court), Potter Stewart Warren E. Burger, William H. Rehnquist, Byr…

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Penn Central Transportation Company v. City of New York - Significance

Penn Central Transportation Company City of New York That New York City had taken its private property in violation of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments when designating the Grand Central Terminal as an historic landmark. Daniel M. Gribbon Leonard J. Koerner Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr. (writing for the Court), Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Potter Stewart, Byron R. White…

1 minute read

Personnel Administrator v. Feeney - Significance, Impact, Further Readings

Personnel Administrator of Massachusetts et al. Helen B. Feeney Although the intent of the Massachusetts Veteran's Preference Statute was to benefit a social category of veterans (in which women traditionally represented a significantly small percentage), the act was not gender-biased. Thomas R. Kiley, Assistant Attorney General of Massachusetts Richard P. Ward Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger,…

1 minute read

Peter A. Reilly Trial: 1974 1976 - A Son Confesses, Jury Opts For Manslaughter, New Evidence Results In Reversal

Defendant: Peter Reilly Crime Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyer: Catherine Roraback Chief Prosecutor: John Bianchi Judge: John Speziale Place: Litchfield, Connecticut Dates of Trials: Trial: February 28-April 12, 1974; Appeal: March 25, 1976 Verdict: Guilty of manslaughter in first-degree; conviction reversed on appeal Sentence: More than 6 but no more than 16 years SIGNIFICANCE: Peter Reilly w…

1 minute read

Philadelphia v. New Jersey - Significance, Landfills

City of Philadelphia State of New Jersey That a New Jersey law prohibiting disposal of liquid or solid waste within its borders, which "originated or was collected outside the state," violated the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. Herbert F. Moore Steven Skillman Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart (writing for the Court), Byron R. Wh…

1 minute read

Planned Parenthood of Central Missouri v. Danforth - Decision, A Question Of Viability, Three Issues Of Consent, Three Other Provisions, Concurrence And Dissent

Planned Parenthood of Central Missouri; David Hall, M.D.; Michael Freiman, M.D. John C. Danforth, Attorney General of Missouri That under the guidelines established by the Court in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, and under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution, a Missouri abortion statute is unconstitutional. John C. Danforth Frank Susman Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court)…

1 minute read

Poelker v. Doe - Significance, Another Reversal, Complicated Issues

John H. Poelker, et al. Jane Doe, et al. That the city of St. Louis, in electing as a policy choice to provide publicly financed hospital services for childbirth but not for nontherapeutic abortions, did not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Eugene P. Freeman Frank Susman Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart,…

1 minute read

Pruneyard Shopping Center v. Robins - Significance, The State's Constitutional Guarantee Of Free Speech, The First Amendment Concerns, Related Cases

Pruneyard Shopping Center and Fred Sahadi, owner Michael Robins, et al. That a provision of the California Constitution guaranteeing an individual's right to free speech at privately owned shopping centers violates the owner's property and free speech rights under the First, Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. Max L. Gillam, Jr. Philip L. Hammer Harry A. Blackmun, William J. …

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Randall Adams Trial: 1977 - Surprise Witnesses Emerge

Defendant: Randall Dale Adams Crime Charged: Murder Chief Defense Lawyers: Edith James and Dennis White Chief Prosecutors: Douglas Mulder, Winfield Scott, and Stephen Tokely Judge: Donald J. Metcalfe Place: Dallas, Texas Dates of Trial: March 28-May 3, 1977 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: Death SIGNIFICANCE: The tragedy of Randall Adams, recorded in the movie, The Thin Blue Line, represents a withering …

2 minute read

Inc. v. Stake Reeves - Cementing Commerce Between South Dakota And Wyoming, States As Participators: "good Sense And Sound Law"

Reeves, Inc., a Wyoming concrete distributor Stake, et al., members of the South Dakota Cement Commission That South Dakota's refusal to sell cement to an out-of-state buyer, due to a "cement shortage" which compelled it to prefer purchasers from within the state, constituted "hoarding" and was a preferential system forbidden by the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. William J. Janklow Dennis M.…

1 minute read

Rhode Island v. Innis - Significance, The Supreme Court Ruling, Further Readings

State of Rhode Island Thomas J. Innis That a conversation between two police officers with a murder suspect within earshot did not constitute an interrogation in violation of the suspect's Miranda rights. Dennis J. Roberts II John A. MacFadyen III Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, Potter Stewart (writing for the Court), Byron R. White William J. Brenn…

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Roe et al. v. Wade: 1973 - Norma Mccorvey Tests The Law, Constitutional Issues, State Court Favors Plaintiff, Supreme Court Hears The Case

Plaintiff: Norma McCorvey, using "Jane Roe" as an alias and representing all pregnant women in a class-action suit Defendant: Texas District Attorney Henry B. Wade Plaintiff's Claim: That Texas' abortion laws violated McCorvey's and other women's constitutional rights Chief Defense Lawyers: Jay Floyd and Robert Flowers Chief Lawyers for Plaintiff: Sarah We…

2 minute read

Roe v. Wade - Significance, Norma Mccorvey Tests The Law, Constitutional Issues, State Court Favors Plaintiff, Supreme Court Hears The Case

Norma McCorvey, using "Jane Roe" as an alias and representing all pregnant women in a class-action suit Henry B. Wade, Texas District Attorney The Texas' abortion laws violated McCorvey's and other women's constitutional rights. Sarah Weddington and Linda Coffee Jay Floyd and Robert Flowers Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, William O. Douglas, Th…

less than 1 minute read

Rosario v. Rockefeller - States' Rights, Party Raiding, Groups' Rights

Pedro J. Rosario, et al. Nelson Rockefeller, Governor of the State of New York, et al. That New York State's law requiring voters to enroll in a party thirty days before a general election to vote in the following year's primary was unconstitutional. Burt Neuborne A. Seth Greenwald Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, William H. Rehnquist, Potter Stewart (writing for the Court), Byron R. White Wil…

1 minute read

Rummel v. Estelle - Three-time Loser, Cruel And Unusual?, The Nature Of Proportionality, Impact, Legal Malpractice

William James Rummel Estelle, Corrections Director for the State of Texas That Article 63 of the Penal Code of the state of Texas, which mandated that a person convicted of three felonies would receive a life sentence as a recidivist criminal, violated Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishment. Scott J. Atlas Douglas M. Becker Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Bur…

1 minute read

Salyer v. Tulare - Significance

Salyer Land Company et al. Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District Sections of the California Water Code are unconstitutional and in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. Thomas Keister Greer Robert M. Newell Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Potter Stewart, Byron R. White William J. Brennan, Jr., William O. Douglas, Thur…

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et al. v. Rodriguez San Antonio School District et al. - Significance, Background, Edgewood V. Alamo Heights, What Happened, Further Readings

San Antonio Independent School District, et al. Demetrio P. Rodriguez, et al. The state of Texas financed public education in such a way as to discriminate against children living in poor school districts. Charles Alan Wright Arthur Gochman Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, Potter Stewart William J. Brennan, Jr., William O. Dou…

1 minute read

Schick v. Reed - Significance, The Lower Court Rulings, The President Can Commute With Conditions, Furman V. Georgia Did Not Apply

Maurice Schick George J. Reed That President Eisenhower's decision to commute Schick's death sentence on the condition that he never be granted parole was unconstitutional. Homer E. Moyer, Jr. Louis F. Claiborne Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, Potter Stewart, Byron R. White William J. Brennan, Jr., William O. Douglas, Thurgoo…

1 minute read

Schlesinger v. Ballard - Significance, Lieutenant Ballard Receives A Mandatory Discharge, Frontiero And Reed Offer A Guide--and A Contrast

James R. Schlesinger, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert C. Ballard That a rule establishing different guidelines regarding mandatory discharge for male and female officers in the U.S. Navy did not constitute a violation of the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause. Harriet S. Shapiro Charles R. Khoury, Jr. Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, Potter Stewar…

1 minute read

Schlesinger v. Holtzman - Significance, A Unique Series Of Events, The Court Defers Action Again, Impact

James Schlesinger, Secretary of Defense Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman (D-NY) and several Air Force officers That without decisive opposition by Congress the president has constitutional authority to conduct air combat over Cambodia. Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, Potter Stewart, Byron R.…

1 minute read

Schneckloth v. Bustamonte - Significance, Impact

Merle R. Schneckloth, Superintendent, California Conservation Center Robert Clyde Bustamonte The appeals court erred when it held that the state had to prove that the person who gave consent to the police for a search had knowledge of the right to refuse consent. Robert R. Granucci Stuart P. Tobisman Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, Potter Stewart (w…

1 minute read

Scott v. Illinois - Significance, An Open-and-shut Case?, Legal Precedents, Interpreting Argersinger, Impact

Aubrey Scott State of Illinois That the state of Illinois's failure to supply him with legal counsel for his trial on a shoplifting charge violated his Sixth and Fourteenth Amendment rights to due process of law. John S. Elson Gerri Papushkewych Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Potter Stewart, Byron R. White Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan…

1 minute read

Shimp v. New Jersey Bell Telephone Company - A Major Public Health Concern, A Common Law Right, Clear And Overwhelming Evidence, Balancing Rights And Legislative Response

Donna M. Shimp New Jersey Bell Telephone Company An injunction should be issued requiring her employer, New Jersey Bell Telephone Company, to enact a ban on smoking in the workplace. Charles A. Sweeney Stuart B. Finifter Philip A. Gruccio (writing for the court) Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division 20 December 1976 An injunction can be issued requiring New Jersey Bell Telephone Company …

1 minute read

Sieling v. Eyman - Significance, Impact

Gilbert F. Sieling, Sr. Frank A. Eyman, Warden, Arizona State Prison The trial court committed a reversible error when it failed to conduct an inquiry into his mental capacity to enter a plea of guilty. Dennis J. Skarecky William P. Dizon, Gary K. Nelson Duniway, Koelsch (writing for the majority), Merrill Los Angeles, California 23 April 1973 Where a U.S. District Court in the Ninth Circuit inqui…

1 minute read

Silkwood v. Kerr-McGee: 1979 - Near Disaster

Plaintiff: Estate of Karen Silkwood Defendant: Kerr-McGee Nuclear Company Plaintiff Claim: Damages for negligence leading to the plutonium contamination of Karen Silkwood Chief Defense Lawyers: Elliott Fenton, John Griffin, Jr., Larry D. Ottoway, William Paul, L.E. Stringer, and Bill J. Zimmerman Chief Lawyers for Plaintiff: Gerald Spence, Arthur Angel, and James Ikard Judge: Frank G. Theis Place:…

2 minute read

Smith v. Daily Mail Publishing Co. - Significance, Juvenile Protection And State Regulation Of The Press, Impact, Further Readings

Smith, Prosecuting Attorney and Circuit Judges of Kanawha County, West Virginia Daily Mail Publishing Co., et al. That two newspapers violated West Virginia state law by publishing, without prior approval of juvenile court, the name of a juvenile charged with a crime. Cletus B. Hanley Floyd Abrams Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), Thurgood Marsha…

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Snepp v. United States - Significance, Snepp Writes Decent Interval, Impact, Further Readings

Frank W. Snepp III U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) That CIA requirements for agency prepublication review of writings about the agency by employees and former employees constituted unconstitutional prior restraint on freedom of speech in violation of the First Amendment. Alan M. Dershowitz, Bruce J. Ennis, Joel M. Gora, Mark H. Lynch, Jack D. Novik, John H. F. Shattuck, John Cary Sims, Geof…

1 minute read

The "Son of Sam" Trial: 1978 - Insanity Issue Arises, Cases Consolidated, Case Inspires New Law, Suggestions For Further Reading

Defendant: David R. Berkowitz Crimes Charged: Second-degree murder, attempted murder, and assault Chief Defense Lawyers: Ira Jultak and Leon Stern Chief Prosecutors: Eugene Gold, Mario Merola, and John Santucci Judges: Joseph R. Corso, William Kapelman, and Nicholas Tsoucalas Place: New York, New York Date of Trial: May 8, 1978 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: Six25-years-to-life terms, with additional 1…

1 minute read

Stanton v. Stanton - Significance, Challenging "old Notions", Dissent And A Postscript, Impact, Parental Responsibility, Further Readings

Thelma B. Stanton James Lawrence Stanton, Jr. That a Utah statute was discriminatory and therefore unconstitutional because it set the age of majority for females at 18 and males at 21, thus denying due process and equal protection as guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. J. Dennis Frederick Bryce E. Roe Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), William J. Brennan, Jr., W…

1 minute read

Stone v. Graham - Significance, Coercion In The Classroom?, The Secular Impact Of Religion, Impact, Further Readings

William C. Stone, et al. James Graham, Superintendent of Public Instruction of Kentucky That a Kentucky law requiring posting of the Ten Commandments in public schoolrooms violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. William C. Stone Edward L. Fossett William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, John Paul Stevens, Byron R. White (unsigned) Wa…

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Taylor v. Louisiana - Significance, Jury Concerns, For All Intents And Purposes . . ., A Fair Cross-section, Further Readings

Billy Jean Taylor State of Louisiana That Louisiana's jury selection system violated his right to trial by an impartial jury under the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments. William M. King Kendall L. Vick Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, William O. Douglas, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Potter Stewart, Byron R. White (writing for the Court) William H. Rehnquist W…

less than 1 minute read

Theodore Robert Bundy Trials: 1976 1979 - Bundy Forgoes Jury, On The Run And Deadly, Testimony That Could Kill

Defendant: Theodore Robert Bundy Crime Charged: First Trial: Aggravated kidnapping; Second Trial: Murder Chief Defense Lawyers: First Trial: John O'Connell; Second trial: Robert Haggard, Edward Harvey, Margaret Good, and Lynn Thompson Chief Prosecutors: First Trial: David Yocum; Second Trial: Larry Simpson and Daniel McKeever Judges: First Trial: Stewart Hanson; Second Trial: Edward Cowart …

1 minute read

Inc. v. Firestone Time - Significance

Time, Inc., publisher of Time magazine Mary Alice Firestone That the finding of libel was inappropriate because the respondent was a public figure. John H. Pickering Edna L. Caruso Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Potter Stewart William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Byron R. White (John Paul Stevens did not participate) …

less than 1 minute read

Tony Boyle Trial: 1974 - Annette Gilly Confesses, Boyle Balks On Arraignment, Boyle's Secretary Spoils Defense

Defendant: W.A. Boyle Crime Charged: First-degree murder Chief Defense Attorney: Charles F. Moses Chief Prosecutor: Richard A. Sprague Judge: Francis J. Catania Place: Media, Pennsylvania Dates of Trial: March 25-April 11, 1974 Verdict: Guilty Sentence: 3 consecutive terms of life imprisonment SIGNIFICANCE: Successful prosecutions of those responsible for the death of Jock Yablonski revealed that …

1 minute read

Train v. City of New York - Significance, Petition For A Writ Of Certiorari, The Environmental Protection Agency

Russell E. Train, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency City of New York That the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not have to allot federal funds in their entirety to states according to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. Robert H. Bork, U.S. Solicitor General John R. Thompson Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, William O. Dougl…

1 minute read

Trimble v. Gordon - A Small But Contentious Estate, Discrimination Based On Legitimacy?, Impact, Heirs And Inheritance Laws

Deta Mona Trimble, et al. Sherman Gordon, et al. That Chapter 12 of the Illinois State Probate Act, which allowed illegitimate children to inherit property only from their mother in the event of their parents' death without a will, violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. James D. Well Miles N. Beermann William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. (writ…

1 minute read

U.S. v. Nixon: 1974 - Nixon Fights Subpoena, Nixon Ordered To Release Tapes, Suggestions For Further Reading

Plaintiff: United States Defendant: President Richard M. Nixon Plaintiff Claims: That the president had to obey a subpoena ordering him to turn over tape recordings and documents relating to his conversations with aides and advisers concerning the Watergate break-in Chief Defense Lawyer: James D. St. Clair Chief Lawyers for Plaintiff: Leon Jaworski and Philip A. Lacovara Justices: Harry A. Blackmu…

2 minute read

U.S. v. The Progressive: 1979 - Government Wins Battle, Loses War, Suggestions For Further Reading

Plaintiff: The United States Defendant: The Progressive, Inc. Plaintiff Claims: That The Progressive magazine should be prevented from publishing an article concerning how to build a hydrogen bomb Chief Defense Lawyer: Earl Munson, Jr. Chief Lawyers for Plaintiff: Thomas S. Martin and Frank M. Tuerkheimer Judge: Robert W. Warren Place: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Date of Hearing: March 26, 1979 Decision:…

2 minute read

U.S. v. Snepp Appeal: 1980 - Snepp Sells Decent Interval, Suggestions For Further Reading

Appellant: Frank W. Snepp Ill Appellee: The United States Appellant Claims: That a district court erred in ruling that Snepp violated the terms of his Central Intelligence Agency employment agreement by having his book Decent Interval published without the agency's prior consent Chief Lawyers for Appellee: David J. Anderson, Barbara Allen Babcock, William B. Cummings, Brook Hedge, Thomas S.…

1 minute read

United Jewish Organizations v. Carey - Significance, Points Of Affirmation, Impact, Further Readings

United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburgh, Inc. Carey, Governor of New York, et al. The redistricting plan of 1974 for portions of Kings County, New York, would negate the effectiveness of the Hasidic Jew vote. The petitioner claimed that the sole purpose of the redistricting was to achieve a racial quota, and the community was assigned to voting districts solely by racial standards. They claim…

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United States v. Calandra - Significance, Exclusionary Rule's Prime Purpose, Better For Some Guilty People To Go Free

United States John Calandra A witness summoned before a grand jury should not be excused from testifying because the questions are based on evidence gathered during an unlawful search and seizure. Louis F. Claiborne Robert J. Rotatori Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F., Powell, Jr. (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, Potter Stewart, Byron R. White William J. Brennan, Jr., Wil…

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United States v. Edwards - Significance, Impact

United States Eugene H. Edwards, William T. Livesay The Fourth Amendment was not violated when, ten hours after a suspected burglar was placed in jail, police officers took the clothes of the suspected burglar without first obtaining a search warrant. Edward R. Korman Thomas R. Smith Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, Byron R. White (writing for the Co…

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United States v. Matlock - Significance, Rules Of Evidence Applicable In A Criminal Trial, Police Acting On Their Own, Impact

United States William Matlock That out-of-court statements should not have been excluded from evidence at a suppression hearing and that a third party who had common authority over a premises may give permission for a search. Wallace, U.S. Deputy Solicitor General Donald S. Eisenberg Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, Potter Stewart, Byron R. White (wr…

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United States v. Nixon - Significance, Nixon Fights The Subpoena, Nixon Order To Release, Presidential Succession, Further Readings

United States Richard M. Nixon, President of the United States That the president had to obey a subpoena ordering him to turn over tape recordings and documents relating to his conversations with aides and advisers concerning the Watergate break-in. Leon Jaworski, Philip A. Lacovara James D. St. Clair Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger (writing for the Court), William O. …

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United States v. Payner - Significance, Illegal Actions, Federal Courts

United States Jack Payner That although gathered using an illegal search, the evidence against Jack Payner for falsifying a federal income tax return should not be suppressed and the conviction should not be set aside. Wade H. McCree, U.S. Solicitor General Bennet Kleinman Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. (writing for the Court), William H. Rehnquist, John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart, Byron…

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United States v. Robinson - Significance, A Traditional Exception To The Warrant Requirement, A Long Tradition Of Case-by-case Adjudication

United States Willie Robinson That a conviction for a drug offense should not have been overturned on the ground that the search during which the drugs were discovered violated the suspect's Fourth Amendment rights. Allan A. Tuttle Joseph V. Gartlan, Jr. Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), Potter Stewart, Byron R. White William J…

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United States v. Santana - Significance, A Drug Bust, Charges And Preliminary Trials, Search And Seizure, Impact

United States Mom Santana, et al. That Santana's arrest for possession of heroin with intent to distribute was legally admissible, despite the fact that the arrest occurred within her home and without benefit of a search or arrest warrant. Frank H. Easterbrook Dennis H. Eisman Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist (writing for the Court), John Paul Stevens…

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United Steelworkers of America v. Weber - Significance, The Court Reverses, Is It 1984 Yet?, Impact, Related Cases, Civil Rights Act Of 1964

United Steelworkers of America Brian Weber That an affirmative action program implemented by Kaiser Aluminum, in voluntary agreement with the United Steelworkers, did not violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Michael E. Gottesman Michael R. Fontham Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr. (writing for the Court), Thurgood Marshall, Potter Stewart, Byron R. White Warren E. Burger, Wi…

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University of California v. Bakke - Significance, Reverse Discrimination Claimed, Further Readings

The Medical School of the University of California Allan Bakke That the California Supreme Court erred in ruling that the school's special-admissions program for minorities violated Bakke's civil rights as a white male when he was denied admission. Archibald Cox, Paul J. Mishkin, Jack B. Owens, Donald L. Reidhaar Reynold H. Colvin Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Lewi…

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Inc. Virginia State Board of Pharmacy v. Virginia Citizens Consumer Council - Significance, Further Readings

Virginia State Board of Pharmacy Virginia Citizens Consumer Council, Inc. Anthony F. Troy Alan B. Morrison Harry A. Blackmun (writing for the Court), William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Potter Stewart, Byron R. White William H. Rehnquist (John Paul Stevens did not participate) Washington, D.C. 24 May 1976 The state of Virginia's statute making it "un…

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Washington v. Davis - Significance, Supreme Court Holds That Evidence Of Discriminatory Intent Is Necessary To Prove Racial Discrimination, Further Readings

Walter E. Washington Alfred E. Davis That job qualification tests which minorities fail in disproportionate numbers do not violate the Equal Protection Clause. David P. Sutton Richard B. Sobol Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart, Byron R. White (writing for the Court) William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall Washingto…

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Whalen v. Roe - Prescription Drugs And The Patients' Right To Privacy, Impact

Whalen, Commissioner of Health New York Roe, et al. A New York state law requiring that the names of prescription drug users be sent to a computer for record-keeping did not violate the constitutional right to privacy under the Fourteenth Amendment. A. Seth Greenwald Michael Lesch Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehn…

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White Mountain Apache Tribe v. Bracker - Significance, Further Readings

White Mountain Apache Tribe State of Arizona That the state of Arizona could not impose taxes on a non-Indian logging company doing business with the White Mountain Apache Tribe on Fort Apache Reservation. Neil Vincent Wake, Michael J. Brown Ian A. Macpherson Harry A. Blackmun, William J. Brennan, Jr., Warren E. Burger, Thurgood Marshall (writing for the Court), Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Byron R. Whit…

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Woodson v. North Carolina - Significance, Woodson's Crime, Carolina's Punishment, "a Faceless, Undifferentiated Mass"

James Tyrone Woodson, et al. State of North Carolina That a North Carolina law establishing a mandatory death sentence for all convicted first-degree murderers constituted a violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution. Anthony G. Anderson Sidney S. Eagles, Jr. William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart (writing for …

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Inc. Young v. American Mini Theatres - Significance, Supreme Court Holds That Government Can Restrict Certain Types Of Offensive Speech, Related Cases

Coleman A. Young, Mayor of the City of Detroit American Mini Theatres, Inc. That city zoning ordinances attempting to prevent concentration of sexually oriented businesses did not violate the First Amendment guarantee of free speech. Maureen Pulte Reilly Stephen M. Taylor and John H. Weston Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, John Paul Stevens (writing for the Court), Byr…

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Zurcher v. The Stanford Daily - What The First Amendment Protects And What The Fourth And Fourteenth Amendments Prohibit, The Privacy Protection Act

James Zurcher, Chief of Police of Palo Alto The Stanford Daily The Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments did not prohibit third party search warrants, even if the third party is not suspected of a crime, and the First Amendment does not protect newspapers from such searches. Robert K. Booth Jerome B. Falk, Jr. Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, Byron R. Whi…

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