Supreme Court decisions are very important for defining and protecting the rights of citizens under the Constitution. Here’s how they work:
The Supreme Court looks at the Constitution to figure out what the rights in it really mean for people’s lives. For example, in a famous case called Brown v. Board of Education, the Court explained that the Equal Protection Clause means that racial segregation in public schools is not allowed. This decision changed how people can get an education and supported the idea that everyone should be treated equally.
The Supreme Court has the power to check laws to make sure they match the Constitution. If a law doesn’t, they can strike it down. This helps protect people’s rights. A well-known example is Roe v. Wade, where the Court said that the right to privacy includes a woman’s choice about having an abortion.
When the Supreme Court makes a decision, that decision can set an example for future cases. This means their rulings can have a big impact over time. For instance, in Miranda v. Arizona, the Court created the Miranda rights. These rights ensure that people know what their rights are when they are arrested by police.
The decisions of the Supreme Court show how the values of society can change. As people's attitudes evolve, the Court can change how they interpret individual rights. Cases like Obergefell v. Hodges demonstrate this by recognizing same-sex marriage as a right protected by the Constitution.
In summary, through understanding the Constitution, judicial review, setting examples, and adapting to changes, Supreme Court decisions play a key role in defining and protecting our rights as citizens. They help make sure the Constitution still works for us, even as times change.
Supreme Court decisions are very important for defining and protecting the rights of citizens under the Constitution. Here’s how they work:
The Supreme Court looks at the Constitution to figure out what the rights in it really mean for people’s lives. For example, in a famous case called Brown v. Board of Education, the Court explained that the Equal Protection Clause means that racial segregation in public schools is not allowed. This decision changed how people can get an education and supported the idea that everyone should be treated equally.
The Supreme Court has the power to check laws to make sure they match the Constitution. If a law doesn’t, they can strike it down. This helps protect people’s rights. A well-known example is Roe v. Wade, where the Court said that the right to privacy includes a woman’s choice about having an abortion.
When the Supreme Court makes a decision, that decision can set an example for future cases. This means their rulings can have a big impact over time. For instance, in Miranda v. Arizona, the Court created the Miranda rights. These rights ensure that people know what their rights are when they are arrested by police.
The decisions of the Supreme Court show how the values of society can change. As people's attitudes evolve, the Court can change how they interpret individual rights. Cases like Obergefell v. Hodges demonstrate this by recognizing same-sex marriage as a right protected by the Constitution.
In summary, through understanding the Constitution, judicial review, setting examples, and adapting to changes, Supreme Court decisions play a key role in defining and protecting our rights as citizens. They help make sure the Constitution still works for us, even as times change.