10 Landmark Supreme Court Decisions That Shaped America

Separate schools are not equal, overturning the doctrine of "separate but equal."

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established the doctrine of judicial review, empowering federal courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

New York Times v. Sullivan (1964)

To prove libel, a public official must show actual malice, protecting freedom of the press.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

School-initiated prayer in public schools violates the First Amendment, ensuring separation of church and state.

Cooper v. Aaron (1958)

States cannot nullify federal court decisions, upholding federal supremacy.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Established federal government's implied powers, clarifying the balance of federal and state authority.