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Search and Seizure
For most of the 20th century, police didn't need a warrant to search your home. That was before Dolly Mapp fought back.
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A Call to Act
Lilly Ledbetter found out she was being paid less than her male counterparts. She fought for her rights and ended up with her name on the first bill signed by President Barack Obama.
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Jury Selection: Edmonson v. Leesville
Thaddeus Edmonson had a personal injury case. Not so remarkable on its face. But his case would forever change how civil trials are conducted in the US.
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The Bill of Rights
Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to assembly, the right to a jury trial, we all know these are protected by the Constitution. But they weren’t in the original version. In fact, many of the framers of the Constitution were dead set against including them.
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Yick Wo and the Equal Protection Clause
Yick Wo wasn’t a citizen. He wasn’t even allowed to become one. But that didn’t stop him from standing up for his rights -- and protecting the rights of us all.
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Korematsu and Civil Liberties
In 1942, Fred Korematsu was arrested. His crime? Being Japanese-American. He was jailed and for 40 years had a criminal record. Finally he fought back.
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The Making of a Law
Congress passes a law, the Executive signs it, and the Judiciary rules on its Constitutionality. Simple enough, right? Well, one small school in Yosemite National Park found out just how difficult passing a law can be.
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One Person, One Vote
Everyone’s vote counts equally. This idea might seem central to how our democracy works, but it’s been a long and hard battle to make sure one person actually equals one vote.
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An Independent Judiciary
The Constitution establishes three branches of government: the Executive, Legislative and Judicial. So why did it take 150 years to ensure that the third branch, the courts, remained independent?
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One Man Changes the Constitution
Clarence Earl Gideon didn't have a lawyer. He couldn't afford one. So from his jail cell he hand wrote a letter to the Supreme Court of the United States asking it for help, and in doing so changed American law for everyone.
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Checks and Balances
During the Korean War, the US military had a problem: a looming steel shortage. So President Truman seized control of part of the steel industry. But is the President allowed to do that?
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Creating a Constitution
America almost didn’t have a Constitution. Rhode Island even refused to send delegates to the convention. But the other 55 delegates from 12 states bickered and compromised their way to a document that is still thriving over 200 years later.
