Question

How have Supreme Court cases extended our rights as citizens

Answer 1

The Supreme Court case has extended our rights in several different ways. One of the most important rulings that granted citizens more freedoms was the case of Tinker vs. Des Moines.

In this case, Tinker and her friends wore black armbands to school with the peace sign on them to represent their displeasure with the Vietnam War. The students were then punished by the school district for wearing these armbands. The Tinker family sued, saying that this should be considered protected free speech under the 1st amendment. After decisions in local/appeals courts, the Supreme Court took on this case.

In the end, the judges sided with Tinker. This court case extended the idea that Americans have the right to freedom of speech even when they are in the classroom setting. As long as the speech/protest does not disrupt the educational process, then students have the constitutional right to share their views and opinions.