FCLE Landmark Supreme Court Cases 2

Question 1

In Tinker v. Des Moines (1969), the Supreme Court ruled that students:

Accepted Answer

Retain First Amendment rights as long as expression does not substantially disrupt school

Answer

The Court held that students do not 'shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate' unless the expression causes substantial disruption.

Question 2

What was the central issue in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971), the 'Pentagon Papers' case?

Accepted Answer

Prior restraint on press freedom

Answer

The Court ruled against the government's attempt to stop publication, holding that prior restraint bears a heavy presumption against its constitutional validity.

Question 3

Engel v. Vitale (1962) addressed the constitutionality of:

Accepted Answer

State-sponsored prayer in public schools

Answer

The Court struck down a New York school board's practice of beginning the school day with a government-composed prayer, citing the Establishment Clause.

Question 4

The Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) established that:

Accepted Answer

States must provide an attorney to criminal defendants who cannot afford one

Answer

The Court unanimously ruled that the Sixth Amendment's guarantee of counsel is a fundamental right that states must provide through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Question 5

Which case established that the exclusionary rule applies to state courts, barring illegally obtained evidence?

Accepted Answer

Mapp v. Ohio

Answer

Mapp v. Ohio (1961) incorporated the exclusionary rule to the states, meaning evidence seized in violation of the Fourth Amendment cannot be used in state criminal trials.

FCLE - Florida Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

FCLE - Florida Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

FCLE Landmark Supreme Court Cases 2