Significant California Supreme Court Cases to Know for California History

California's Supreme Court cases have shaped the state's legal landscape and social justice. From education funding to marriage equality, these landmark decisions reflect the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality in California's history.

1. Serrano v. Priest (1971)

   • Addressed the issue of funding disparities in California's public schools.
   • Ruled that the state's method of financing schools through local property taxes violated the California Constitution's equal protection clause.
   • Established the principle that education is a fundamental right, leading to reforms in school funding.

2. People v. Anderson (1972)

   • Focused on the constitutionality of the death penalty in California.
   • The California Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty was unconstitutional under the state constitution.
   • This decision led to a temporary moratorium on capital punishment in California.

3. In re Marriage Cases (2008)

   • Addressed the legality of same-sex marriage in California.
   • The court ruled that denying same-sex couples the right to marry violated the California Constitution's equal protection clause.
   • This case paved the way for the legalization of same-sex marriage in California.

4. Lochner v. New York (1905)

   • Although a U.S. Supreme Court case, it influenced California's labor laws.
   • Ruled that a New York law limiting bakers' working hours was unconstitutional, emphasizing economic liberty.
   • Set a precedent for future labor law cases, impacting California's labor regulations.

5. Bakke v. Regents of University of California (1976)

   • Addressed affirmative action in college admissions.
   • The court ruled that racial quotas in admissions were unconstitutional but upheld the use of race as one factor in admissions decisions.
   • This case influenced affirmative action policies in California's higher education system.

6. Pruneyard Shopping Center v. Robins (1980)

   • Examined the balance between private property rights and free speech.
   • The court ruled that the California Constitution protects the right to free speech in shopping centers.
   • This decision affirmed the rights of individuals to engage in expressive activities on private property.

7. People v. Hall (1854)

   • Addressed racial discrimination in the legal system.
   • The court ruled that a Chinese man could not testify against a white man, reflecting the racial prejudices of the time.
   • This case highlighted the systemic racism present in California's legal framework.

8. Perez v. Sharp (1948)

   • Challenged California's ban on interracial marriage.
   • The court ruled that the ban violated the right to marry and the equal protection clause.
   • This landmark decision was a significant step towards civil rights and equality in marriage.

9. Diamond v. Chakrabarty (1980)

   • Focused on patent law and biotechnology.
   • The court ruled that genetically modified organisms could be patented, expanding the scope of patentable inventions.
   • This case had significant implications for the biotechnology industry in California.

10. Loving v. Virginia (1967)

    • A U.S. Supreme Court case that invalidated laws prohibiting interracial marriage.
    • The ruling emphasized that marriage is a fundamental right and that racial discrimination in marriage laws is unconstitutional.
    • This case influenced California's legal landscape regarding marriage equality and civil rights.