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Reynolds v. United States
The court determined that “religious duty” was not a suitable defense to criminal charges. In this case, a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints was charged with bigamy. -
Debs v. United States
Socialist Eugene Debs was convicted for attempting to disrupt recruitment. The court upheld the conviction under the Espionage Act. -
Whitney v. California
Communist Anita Whitney was convicted for establishing the Communist Labor Party, which advocated the violent overthrow of the US government. The Court supported the conviction and declared that “bad intentions” can be punished. Overruled by Brandenburg v. Ohio 1969 -
Stromberg v. California
The Court determined that the displaying of a red flag was protected by the first amendment. -
Lovell v. Griffin
The Court ruled that the city of Griffin, Georgia had no right to make an ordinance that someone had to seek governmental permission to distribute religious pamphlets. -
Thornhill v. Alabama
Peaceful picketing to advertise a labor dispute was determined to be protected by the first amendment. -
West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette
It was determined that the rights of students were violated when their school insisted they salute the flag. -
Thomas v. Collins
A Texas law prohibiting labor organizers from recruiting members without permission was ruled unconstitutional -
Beauharnais v. Illinois
An Illinois law prohibiting the distribution of racist pamphlets was upheld as constitutional. -
Torcaso v. Watkins
Maryland’s requirement that office holders declare a belief in the existence of God was ruled unconstitutional. -
Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District
The Court sided with two students who had been suspended from their school for wearing black arm bands in anti-war protest. -
Brandenberg v. Ohio
A KKK leader’s speech, which included a threat of vengeance on the President, was protected by the first amendment, because it must be proven that the danger advocated in the speech is real and not imaginary. -
Edwards v. Aguillard
The Court ruled unconstitutional a Louisiana law that stated that evolution could only be taught in classrooms if “creation science” was taught with it. -
National Endowment for the Arts v. Finley
The government does not have to subsidize artwork that it considers indecent and decency standards may be considered when assigning grants. -
Bartnicki v. Vopper
Media outlets can not be held liable for broadcasting material acquired illegally by a third party.
