How Did The Supreme Court Influence Today's Society

During United States history, the U.S. government, particularly the Supreme Court, has played a major role on our nations society. The decisions made by our nations Supreme Court influenced the way we live as present day Americans. Decisions made by our Supreme Court concerning our rights and freedoms as individuals can limit or impact day-to-day activities. One court case that illustrates the power the Supreme Court has over our daily rights is Brown v. Board of Education. This case emphasizes the Supreme Courts influence throughout history. From the late 1800's to this case in 1954, public places were segregated for Blacks and whites and was said to be acceptable as long as they were equal. The Jim Crow Laws were set up to support segregation which significantly impacted African American rights. This "separate but equal" formula had been
U.S. Since the United States was brought into World War 1, there was a decision to put a draft into place, or demand to enroll into military services from any qualifying person during war time. In 1919, Schneck, an american citizen, spoke out against this war-time decision but was arrested for handing out circulars that encouraged draftees to oppose the draft, which violated the Espionage Act by attempting to cause insubordination in the military and to obstruct recruitment . Schneck insisted that an arrest like this violated his First Amendment Right to freedom of Speech and Press. Ultimately, this case was brought all the way up to the Supreme Court, stating that during a time of war individual freedoms or rights can be limited or shrunken to protect national security. This case formed the phrase " clear and present danger". Supreme Court ruled that Schneck proposed a clear and present danger to american society. This is why we cant yell "fire!" in a movie theater or in any crowded public