US Supreme Court Landmark Cases

When the father of Linda Brown, an African American, sued to let his child go to a "white school" closer to home, history was made. When the court decided that "separate was inherently unequal," the world changed for many students across America. Readers will learn what led up to the case, how the case made it to the Supreme Court, and how this case changed everything when it came to race equality in the United States. Also included are questions to consider, primary source documents, and a chronology of the case.

In 1857, a slave sued for his freedom…and lost. Readers will take an in-depth look at what some call the worst Supreme Court decision in history. The author also looks at the aftermath of the case, including the Civil War, and the great changes in the United States on the issue of slavery. Also included are questions to consider, primary source documents, and a chronology of the case.

The Miranda v. Arizona decision was instrumental in making sure that people accused of a crime are aware of all their rights and have equal access to counsel, even if they cannot afford it. The Miranda rights, which are read to apprehended suspects, are one of the things people point to when they talk about American rights and freedoms. Readers will find out, in rich detail, how this now basic right came to pass. Also included are questions to consider, primary source documents, and a chronology of the case.

Freedom of speech is one of the cornerstones of American liberty, but it was not always taken for granted as it is now. During the Vietnam War, the government made some choices the American public did not necessarily agree with. When the New York Times published articles detailing a war nobody knew about, it caused some waves in the United States government as it scrambled to cover up what it could and control what it couldn't. This title gives a balanced report of what went on during this time and how the case made it to the Supreme Court. It also gives lots of detail on the differing opinions and what the ultimate decision was. Also included are questions to consider, primary source documents, and a chronology of the case.

This groundbreaking case, with much pressure from suing parties across the country and a great amount of controversy, granted the "dignity of marriage" to same-sex couples. Readers will find out all about the background of the case, how it made it to the Supreme Court, and why the court decided for same-sex marriage. Also included are questions to consider, primary source documents, and a chronology of the case.

The death penalty is surely one of the most highly contentious points the Supreme Court has had to weigh in on. Whether you believe in the death penalty or not, the Furman v. Georgia case was groundbreaking in its decision to stay Furman's execution because it was arbitrary and, very possibly, racially motivated. Though it did not stop capital punishment, the case changed the way states had to weigh their decisions. Also included are questions to consider, primary source documents, and a chronology of the case.

Following the Civil War, feelings were mixed about the freedoms that Lincoln had granted to African American citizens through his Emancipation Proclamation. A group in Louisiana decided to challenge a state law that required companies to have railway cars separated by race. They orchestrated a situation in which a "white-looking" black man would sit in the "white only" part of the train and announce he was "colored." In a landmark decision that supported the racist feelings in some areas of the country following the Civil War, the effort to secure equal rights at this time failed. The book provides insight into the details of the case and also includes questions to consider, primary source documents, and a chronology.

Abortion has long been a hot-button issue. In 1973, in the landmark case of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court finally decided that women should be allowed to have an abortion, with some limits. This book gives the background on the case and the path the case took to make it to the Supreme Court and presents both the majority and dissenting opinions related to the case. It also takes a look at the lasting impact the case has continued to have on policies and the legal system. Also included are questions to consider, primary source documents, and a chronology of the case.