Blog #4

Pick 3 cases from the previous list. For each case:

- Explain the holding (decision) and majority opinion (puclic opinion) (and notable dissent (disagreement))

- Explain what judicial philosophy is reflected

- Evaluate the context of the decision with the framework of your own beliefs (e.g. if you select Roe v. Wade, explain your position on abortion.)


Case #1: Mapp vs. Ohio
Police officers of the state Ohio were given information that a suspected bomber and evidence of bombing was located in Dollree Mapp's home. They arrived at Mapp's home but were not granted permission to enter unless they had a search warrant. The officers left and came back a few hours later with a piece of paper they claimed to be the "search warrant". Mapp took the paper and put it in her dress, she was handcuffed for being "belligerent". The officers did not find any trace of a bombing set up, but they found pornographic material which Mapp was arrested for and found guilty. But no search warrant was brought up as evidence during her trial. The state of Ohio did not argue against the lack of evidence. They actually argued that the 14th Amendment does not guarantee 4th Amendment protections in state courts. Meaning that although there was no evidence used for the trial, there was no need to because it was a reasonable search and intent. I agree and disagree with the holding of this case. I agree because I feel that if the statements were in fact true, that there was a suspect bomber and evidence of bombing in the home, they should have been granted access inside with or without a warrant to protect citizens safety. But I also disagree because this goes against what the 2nd Amendment which states privacy in one's home.

Case #2: Brown vs. Board of Education
The Brown vs. Board of Education case overturned the Plessy vs. Ferguson case which was declared unconstitutional. All judges voted that schools in the U.S. should be desegregated and paved the way to integration fro the U.S. The major opinion on the holding for the Brown vs. Board of Education was not unexpected. Many were surprised about the result, and were not pleased with it. This case was opened because the nation had come to a realization that the holding of the Plessy vs. Ferguson case was unconstitutional, and went against the 14th Amendment which granted equals rights to all citizens. I agree with the decision of the case because Americans deserve to have equal rights, which include be able to go to school and the right to receive an education.


Case #3: Roe vs. Wade
The Roe vs. Wade case was brought up from a Texas law that prohibited abortion, except to save a woman's life. The holding stated that a woman was allowed to terminate her pregnancy at any time, with exception to individual state laws, and if the pregnancy was harmful to her. This case deals with one of the largest issues in America, abortion. Many argue that abortion should be legal because it is a individuals choice and body. Others argue that abortion should be illegal and prohibited because it is equal to killing a person, and it is not justice. There are also many religious beliefs that play into opinions. In my opinion, I believe that a woman should have the right to get an abortion if she feels as though she needs to or wants to. Whatever the choice is, it is their choice because everyone has equal rights and should be allowed to express that.