The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Following is the case brief for Adarand Constructors, Inc. v. Pena, 515 U.S. 200 (1995) Case Summary of Adarand Constructors, Inc. v. Pena: Federal agency contracts provide a clause that gives financial incentives to contractors that hire minority-owned small businesses to do subcontracting work. It was a way to remedy the inequality that has typically favored white-owned businesses. Adarand Contractors […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for United States v. Butler, 297 U.S. 1 (1936) Case Summary of United States v. Butler: In 1933, Congress passed the Agricultural Adjustment Act to stabilize agricultural production in the country and help farmers in need. The Act allowed a tax on certain products so the funds could help other farmers. One farmer who was […]
Read moreThe term “executive branch” refers to the branch of the U.S. government responsible for enforcing the country’s laws. For example, the executive branch consists of the President, the Vice President, and the President’s cabinet. If the President is unable to continue in his daily duties for whatever reason, such as mental incapacity, impeachment, or assassination, the Vice President is to […]
Read moreThe term “sovereign immunity” refers to a ruling body, such as the U.S. government, being immune from civil lawsuits or criminal prosecution. For example, sovereign immunity means that no one can sue the government without having the government’s consent. Sovereign immunity comes from British common law, which provided the idea that the King is immune from charges of wrongdoing. To […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Yates v. United States, 354 U.S. 298 (1957) Case Summary of Yates v. United States: A group of petitioners were indicted under the Smith Act, which makes it a crime to advocate and teach the violent overthrow of the U.S. Government. In this case, petitioners were accused of recruiting members to the Communist party […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Munn v. Illinois, 94 U.S. 113 (1876) Case Summary of Munn v. Illinois: The State of Illinois passed legislation to regulate the warehousing and inspection of grain. Petitioners were charged and convicted criminally for violating Illinois’ regulations. The Illinois Supreme Court affirmed the convictions. Petitioners appealed, alleging that the regulations violated the Fourteenth Amendment […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for United States v. Miller, 307 U.S. 174 (1939) Case Summary of United States v. Miller: Respondent Miller was charged criminally for transporting a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun in interstate commerce. The district court dismissed the charges as in violation of the Second Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court reversed. It held that the Second Amendment does […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Dennis v. United States, 341 U.S. 494 (1951) Case Summary of Dennis v. United States: Petitioners were charged and convicted under the Smith Act for advocating the overthrow of the Government by force or violence. Petitioners were organizing meetings of Communist members. Petitioners challenged the Smith Act on First Amendment grounds. The Court of […]
Read moreFollowing is the case brief for Mathews v. Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319 (1976) Case Summary of Mathews v. Eldridge: Respondent Eldridge, who was receiving Social Security disability benefits, was notified that his disability benefits would be terminated based on his answers to a questionnaire and his medical records. Eldridge then sued in federal court, alleging that due process requires an […]
Read moreThe term “constitutional convention,” also known as the “Philadelphia Convention,” refers to the gathering of a group of purpose for the purpose of either drafting a new constitution or editing an existing one. For example, a constitutional convention gathered in May and September of 1787 to discuss the creation of a constitution to cure the government’s weaknesses. As a result, […]
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