Question

How have Supreme Court decisions affected American society? Give three examples of cases that have protected or extended civil liberties.

Answer 1

The Supreme Court has been given credit and blame for having a wide range of effects on society. The decisions that they have made on current and past issues have initiated change in American society. These changes have had both positive and negative results. The effects of their decisions have ranged from improving the status of certain ethnic groups to limiting the procedures of law enforcers and clearly defining the rights of lawbreakers. In essence, Supreme Court decisions have had a profound influence on the behaviors of citizens as well as the political structure of this nation.
(1803) Marbury vs. Madison established the judical review, thereby expanding the seperation of powers.
(1819) McCulloch vs. Maryland established that soveriegnty remains in the United States, not within individual states.
(1954) Brown vs. Board of Education helped expand civil rights and gain racial equailty