Griswold v. Connecticut

Definition

Griswold v. Connecticut is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1965 that ruled the Constitution protects the right to marital privacy against state restrictions on contraception. This case established a fundamental right to privacy, paving the way for later cases regarding personal freedoms and reproductive rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case arose when Estelle Griswold, executive director of Planned Parenthood, and Dr. C. Lee Buxton were convicted under a Connecticut law prohibiting the use of contraceptives.
2. The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that the Connecticut law was unconstitutional because it violated the right to marital privacy.
3. Justice William O. Douglas authored the majority opinion, emphasizing the existence of a 'zone of privacy' created by various amendments in the Bill of Rights.
4. Griswold v. Connecticut set a precedent for future cases related to reproductive rights, including Roe v. Wade in 1973.
5. The decision highlighted the importance of personal freedoms and autonomy in private life, influencing debates around governmental regulations in matters of family and sexuality.

Review Questions

• How did Griswold v. Connecticut establish a precedent for privacy rights in subsequent Supreme Court cases?
  • Griswold v. Connecticut established a foundational principle of privacy by recognizing a right to marital privacy regarding contraception. This case opened the door for later rulings that further defined and expanded personal freedoms, particularly in matters of reproductive rights and family autonomy. For instance, it directly influenced the landmark decision in Roe v. Wade, which addressed a woman's right to choose an abortion.
• Discuss the legal arguments used by the Supreme Court in Griswold v. Connecticut to support its ruling.
  • In Griswold v. Connecticut, the Supreme Court's ruling was supported by arguments highlighting the implicit rights found within the Constitution's amendments, particularly through the 'penumbra' theory. The justices emphasized that while the right to privacy isn't explicitly stated, it is suggested through various amendments like the First, Third, Fourth, and Ninth Amendments. This interpretation allowed them to declare that the state's ban on contraceptives violated couples' rights to make private decisions about their family planning.
• Evaluate how Griswold v. Connecticut has impacted societal views on personal freedoms and government involvement in private matters.
  • Griswold v. Connecticut has significantly influenced societal perspectives on personal freedoms by asserting that individuals have a right to privacy within their personal lives. The case challenged traditional views on government involvement in intimate aspects of life, promoting greater acceptance of personal autonomy and reproductive rights. This shift has contributed to ongoing discussions about individual liberties, influencing legislative and judicial approaches to issues surrounding sexuality, family planning, and privacy across various contexts.

Related terms

Right to Privacy: A legal principle that protects individuals from government interference in personal decisions, especially concerning family, marriage, and sexual conduct.

Penumbra: The implied rights that emerge from the explicit rights listed in the Constitution, forming the basis for privacy rights established in Griswold v. Connecticut.

Substantive Due Process: A constitutional doctrine that protects certain fundamental rights from government interference, often used in cases involving privacy and personal liberties.