In 1803 The Supreme Court heard the case, Marbury v. Madison. Chief Justice John Marshall, writing on behalf of a unanimous court, stated “it is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law

Supreme Court

In 1803 The Supreme Court heard the case, Marbury v. Madison. Chief Justice John Marshall, writing on behalf of a unanimous court, stated “it is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is.” (Marbury v. Madison, 1803) In other words, the Supreme Court has the power to interpret law – be it congressional legislation or executive action. The Supreme Court’s power of judicial review is a salient component of this country’s ‘checks and balance’ system. Here is a full account of Marbury v. Madison.

Through the policy of judicial review The Supreme Court has influenced political, economic, and social law within the United States.

Directions: Please select two Supreme Court cases that have influenced American society. For each case:

Identify the historical circumstances of the case

Explain the Supreme Court’s decision

Evaluate the resulting impact of the case on U.S. society and you

Although you may pick two Supreme Court cases relevant to this discussion – here are some notable Supreme Court cases:

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Gibbon v. Ogden (1824)

Dred Scott v. Standford (1857)

Plessy v. Ferguson ( 1896)

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Korematus v. United States (1944)

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Roe v. Wade (1973)

United States v. Nixon (1974)

Regents of University of California v. Bakke (1978)

Bush v. Gore (2000)

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

United States v. Windsor (2013)

King v. Burwell (2015)

Although slightly edited for format: these ‘responses’ were crafted by undergraduate students: Discussion Board Example