Supreme Court History

The Supreme Court of the United States was established in 1789 by Article III of the United States Constitution.

John Jay was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, serving from 1789 to 1795.

There are currently 9 justices serving on the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court justices serve for life, or until they resign, retire, or are impeached and removed from office.

The case of Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the principle of judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

The case of Brown v. Board of Education (1954) ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the previous ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896).

The case of Roe v. Wade (1973) legalized abortion nationwide, establishing a woman's right to choose to have an abortion.

The case of Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry, legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.

The case of National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012) upheld the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

The case of Roper v. Simmons (2005) ruled that the death penalty is unconstitutional for juveniles.

The case of Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) established the right to counsel for criminal defendants.

The case of Mapp v. Ohio (1961) ruled that the exclusionary rule applies to the states, meaning that evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment cannot be used in state criminal trials.

The case of Miranda v. Arizona (1966) ruled that the police must inform suspects of their Miranda rights before questioning them, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

The case of Texas v. Johnson (1989) ruled that the government cannot prohibit the burning of the American flag, as it is protected by the First Amendment.