Over the past decade, numerous legal battles have captivated the world, setting new precedents, challenging societal norms, and shaping the future of jurisprudence. These groundbreaking cases have tackled a wide range of issues, from civil rights and social justice to technology and corporate responsibility.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) – Marriage Equality
While we have discussed this case previously, Obergefell v. Hodges could not be omitted from this list. This was a historic moment for LGBTQ+ rights. This landmark case solidified the right to same-sex marriage nationwide, marking a significant step forward in the fight for equal rights and recognition for the LGBTQ+ community.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) – Campaign Finance
This case made waves in the realm of campaign finance. The Supreme Court’s decision expanded the rights of corporations and unions to engage in political spending, equating money with free speech. This decision had a profound impact on the financing of political campaigns, raising concerns about the influence of big money in politics.
Carpenter v. United States (2018) – Digital Privacy
In a digital age where personal information is increasingly stored online, Carpenter v. United States addressed the Fourth Amendment’s application to cellphone location data. The Supreme Court ruled that accessing an individual’s cellphone location records without a warrant violated their reasonable expectation of privacy. This ruling set a crucial precedent in safeguarding digital privacy rights and challenged the scope of government surveillance.
Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt (2016) – Reproductive Rights
Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt marked a significant victory for reproductive rights. The Supreme Court struck down restrictive Texas abortion laws that imposed burdensome regulations on abortion clinics, deeming them unconstitutional. This decision reaffirmed the right to access safe and legal abortions and established standards for evaluating the constitutionality of similar regulations in the future.
Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission (2018) – LGBTQ+ Rights and Religious Freedom
The intersection of LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom came to the forefront in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. The Supreme Court narrowly ruled in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to create a wedding cake for a same-sex couple based on his religious beliefs. The decision highlighted the delicate balance between anti-discrimination laws and religious freedoms, leaving the matter open to further interpretation and potential future clashes.
Janus v. AFSCME (2018) – Labor Unions
Janus v. AFSCME dealt a blow to the power of public-sector unions. The Supreme Court held that forcing non-union public employees to pay union fees violated their First Amendment rights. This decision significantly weakened the financial resources and bargaining power of labor unions, potentially reshaping the landscape of organized labor in the United States.
Hobby Lobby v. Burwell (2014) – Religious Freedom and Contraception
Hobby Lobby v. Burwell examined the balance between religious freedom and access to contraception. The Supreme Court ruled that closely held corporations could refuse to provide certain contraceptive coverage to their employees based on religious objections. This decision sparked debates over the extent of religious exemptions from laws that conflict with individual beliefs.
