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CIVIL LIBERTIES BY THE DECADES - Coggle Diagram

- - - - The John Peter Zenger Trial is a milestone in American journalism. In 1735, Zenger, a printer, was accused of libel for criticizing the colonial governor. His trial set a precedent for the freedom of the press, as the jury acquitted him, establishing early principles that would shape the First Amendment.
- - - - This case arose from the Colfax Massacre, where the Supreme Court ruled that the Bill of Rights limited only the actions of the federal government, not those of private individuals. It had significant implications for civil rights and the protection of individual liberties.
- - - - Gitlow v. New York marked the beginning of the incorporation doctrine, applying the Bill of Rights to the states. The Court held that the First Amendment's protections extended to the states through the due process clause of the 14th Amendment, a concept essential to modern constitutional law.
  - - - Pierce v. Society of Sisters invalidated an Oregon law mandating children attend public schools, affirming parents' right to choose private or religious education for their children. This decision reinforced the constitutional protection of parental rights in education.
- - - - Near v. Minnesota is a landmark case establishing strong protection for freedom of the press. The Court struck down a Minnesota law targeting "malicious" or "scandalous" publications, reinforcing the principle that prior restraint on publication is generally unconstitutional.
- - - - Reynolds v. U.S. addressed the conflict between religious practices and the law, establishing that religious freedom does not exempt individuals from laws prohibiting certain practices. It clarified the boundaries between religious expression and legal obligations.
- - - - West Virginia v. Barnette protected students' freedom of speech by ruling that they cannot be compelled to salute the flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. This decision highlighted the Court's commitment to upholding individual liberties, even in the context of patriotic symbols.
  - - - Everson v. Board of Education addressed the constitutionality of state aid to religious schools. The Court upheld a New Jersey law reimbursing parents for private and parochial school transportation expenses, laying the groundwork for the interpretation of the Establishment Clause.
  - - - In Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire, the Court introduced the "fighting words" doctrine, allowing restrictions on speech that incites violence or disrupts public order. This decision established a limitation on free speech to maintain public order.
- - - - Miranda v. Arizona is a landmark case that established the Miranda rights, requiring law enforcement to inform suspects of their right to remain silent and have an attorney present during custodial interrogation. This decision aimed to protect the Fifth Amendment rights of criminal suspects.
  - - - Brandenburg v. Ohio set the standard for restricting speech, stating that speech can be prohibited only if it is likely to incite imminent lawless action. This decision refined the test for determining when government restrictions on speech are constitutional.
  - - - Gideon v. Wainwright established the right to counsel for indigent defendants, ensuring fair and equal access to legal representation. The decision expanded the Sixth Amendment's right to counsel to state courts
  - - - Tinker v. Des Moines recognized that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." The decision protected symbolic speech, affirming students' rights to express their opinions, even in a school setting.
- - - - Lemon v. Kurtzman established the Lemon Test, providing criteria to determine the constitutionality of laws affecting religion. The test focused on the separation of church and state, preventing excessive entanglement between government and religion.
  - - - Buckley v. Valeo upheld certain limits on campaign contributions but struck down limits on campaign expenditures. The decision marked a significant step in defining the relationship between money and politics, asserting that spending money on one's campaign is a form of protected speech.
- - - - Hazelwood School Dist. v. Kuhlmeier allowed public school officials to censor school-sponsored publications under certain circumstances. The decision sought to strike a balance between students' free speech rights and the educational mission of the school.
  - - - Texas v. Johnson upheld the right to burn the American flag as a form of symbolic speech, emphasizing the protection of expressive conduct even when it is controversial or offensive.
  - - - New Jersey v. T.L.O. clarified that school officials can search students under their authority, establishing a reasonable standard for searches in the school context. This decision balanced students' Fourth Amendment rights with the need for school discipline and safety.
- - - - Reno v. ACLU struck down provisions of the Communications Decency Act, emphasizing the protection of the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech in the context of the emerging internet era.
  - - - Schenck v. Pro-Choice Network of Western NY addressed the constitutionality of "buffer zones" around abortion clinics to protect patients and staff. The decision balanced the rights of protesters with the safety and well-being of those entering the clinics.
  - - - Lee v. Weisman addressed the constitutionality of prayers at public school graduation ceremonies. The Court ruled that such prayers violated the Establishment Clause, reinforcing the separation of church and state in the school context.
- - - - Raich v. Gonzalez addressed the conflict between federal and state drug laws, ruling that federal drug laws could override state laws legalizing medical marijuana. The decision highlighted the supremacy of federal law in certain circumstances.
  - - - Kelo v. City of New London upheld the use of eminent domain for economic development purposes, expanding the government's power to take private property for public use. The decision was controversial, sparking debates about property rights and government authority.
  - - - Tahoe-Sierra Preservation Council v. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency dealt with regulatory takings and established that temporary restrictions on land use do not necessarily require compensation. The decision contributed to the nuanced understanding of property rights and government regulations.
  - - - Boy Scouts of America v. Dale affirmed the Boy Scouts' right to exclude gay members based on their expressive association rights. The decision highlighted the tension between anti-discrimination laws and the constitutional protection of private organizations' expressive associations.
  - - - D.C. v. Heller affirmed an individual's right to own firearms for self-defense within the home, recognizing the Second Amendment as an individual right. The decision clarified the scope of the Second Amendment in the context of gun ownership.
- - - - Citizens United v. FEC held that corporate spending on independent political broadcasts is protected as free speech, paving the way for increased corporate influence in elections. The decision was controversial, raising concerns about the impact of money on the political process.
  - - - Hobby Lobby v. Sebelius ruled that closely held corporations with religious objections could be exempt from providing certain contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The decision balanced religious freedom with the government's interest in providing healthcare coverage.
  - - - Snyder v. Phelps upheld the Westboro Baptist Church's right to engage in controversial speech at a military funeral. The decision emphasized the protection of even offensive speech under the First Amendment, reinforcing the principle that free speech rights apply even in sensitive and emotional contexts.