Digital poster by Karmella Nichols

First Amendment

karmella_nichols26 — 2025-01-14 14:10:06 UTC

The First Amendment protects important freedoms, including freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and the right to petition the government. One of the Supreme Court cases that shaped the interpretation of First Amendment rights is Tinker v. Des Moines. The case addressed the issue of free speech and the extent to which students rights to express themselves are protected in public schools.

Second Amendment

karmella_nichols26 — 2025-01-14 14:13:26 UTC

The Second Amendment guarantees that individuals have the right to own and carry firearms. This right is intended to allow people to defend themselves, their property, and their freedoms. A Supreme Court case that set an example for the interpretation of the Second Amendment is Columbia v. Heller. This case is important because it clarified peoples right to possess firearms for self-defense, marking a significant shift in how the Second Amendment is understood.

Third Amendment

karmella_nichols26 — 2025-01-14 14:18:53 UTC

The Third Amendment guarantees that soldiers cannot come in private homes without the consent of the owner. This protects citizens from having to house the military against their will, making sure they keep privacy and security within their own homes. One case that provided some clarification on the Third Amendment is Engblom v. Carey.

Fourth Amendment

karmella_nichols26 — 2025-01-14 14:22:52 UTC

The Fourth Amendment guarantees protection against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. It ensures that peoples homes, papers, and personal property cannot be searched or taken without a valid warrant and has to be supported by probable cause. A Supreme Court case that helped shape the Fourth Amendment, is Mapp v. Ohio. The Court ruled that evidence obtained through illegal searches and seizures cannot be used in court.

Fifth Amendment

karmella_nichols26 — 2025-01-14 14:26:10 UTC

The Fifth Amendment guarantees protection against self-incrimination, double jeopardy and protects against the taking of private property without compensation. A Supreme Court case that helped to shape the Fifth Amendment is Miranda v. Arizona. This case established the Miranda rights, which require law enforcement to inform a suspect of their rights before any questioning.

Sixth Amendment

karmella_nichols26 — 2025-01-15 14:08:02 UTC

The 6th Amendment guarantees fairness and transparency in criminal prosecutions. It gives the defendant the tools they need, including access to legal counsel, the right to a timely and public trial, and the ability to confront and challenge the evidence presented against them. A Supreme Court case that shaped the Sixth Amendment is Gideon v. Wainwright. This case established that the right to legal representation applies to all, even in state courts, and even if they cannot afford an attorney.

Seventh Amendment

karmella_nichols26 — 2025-01-15 14:28:01 UTC

The Seventh Amendment guarantees protecting the right to a jury trial in civil cases. The right to a trial by jury cannot be denied. It also guarantees that once a jury has decided the facts of a case, those facts cannot be re examined by a judge in a higher court.

Eighth Amendment

karmella_nichols26 — 2025-01-15 14:32:44 UTC

The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees protecting people from cruel and unusual punishment, excessive bail, and excessive fines. Furman v. Georgia (1972) was a case that shaped the Eighth Amendment, particularly the death penalty. It set the limit that punishments must be applied consistently and fairly.

Ninth Amendment

karmella_nichols26 — 2025-01-15 14:40:57 UTC

The Ninth Amendment guarantees to protect unenumerated rights, rights that are not specifically listed in the Constitution. The amendment makes it clear that the listing of certain rights in the Constitution (like in the Bill of Rights) does not mean that other rights not mentioned are not protected as well. In Washington v. Glucksberg, the Supreme Court considered whether a physician assisted suicide, where a doctor helps a terminally ill patient end their life, was protected under the Ninth Amendment as a fundamental right.

Tenth Amendment

karmella_nichols26 — 2025-01-15 14:45:13 UTC

The Tenth Amendment guarantees protection of the principle of federalism. In United States v. Lopez, a student Alfonso Lopez. Lopez argued that the law was unconstitutional because it exceeded the powers granted to Congress under the Commerce Clause.