Overview of the 2002 Supreme Court Term

Acknowledging the reality of an increasingly diverse society, the Supreme Court ended its 2002 Term with historic decisions supporting affirmative action and gay rights. But the Court's conservative's instincts were evident in rulings involving criminal defendants and immigrants that were low points for civil liberties.

> Summary of 2002 Supreme Court Term
> Preview of 2002 Supreme Court Term

Supreme Court Cases

Grutter v. Bollinger (Decided)

4/4/2008 - DECIDED This case challenged the use of affirmative action in the University of Michigan's law school admissions process. The Court upheld the constitutionality of narrowly tailored race-conscious affirmative action programs that further the compelling interest of diversity.

Freedom of Expression

McConnell v. FEC (Decided)

12/10/2003 - Reviewing campaign finance law. DECIDED

Right to Fair Procedures

Frew v. Hawkins (Decided)

6/20/2003 - Reviewing states' claim of immunity under the Eleventh Amendment. DECIDED

Desert Palace, Inc. v. Costa (Decided)

4/10/2003 -

Commonwealth of Virginia v. Hicks (Decided)

4/4/2003 -

State of Georgia v. Ashcroft (Decided)

4/4/2003 -

North Jersey Media Group, Inc. v. Ashcroft (Decided)

3/3/2003 -

Medical Board of California v. Hason (Decided)

2/24/2003 -

Nike, Inc. v. Kasky (Decided)

2/24/2003 -

Overton v. Bazzetta (Decided)

2/20/2003 -

Racial Equality

Gratz v. Bollinger (Decided)

2/18/2003 - DECIDED This case challenged the use of affirmative action in the University of Michigan's undergraduate admissions process. Though this particular program was struck down, the Court upheld the constitutionality of affirmative action in order to further the compelling interest of diversity.

U.S. v. American Library Association (Decided)

2/11/2003 -

Lawrence v. Texas (Decided)

1/22/2003 -

Demore v. Kim (Decided)

1/14/2003 -

Godfrey v. Doe (Decided)

11/8/2002 -

Nevada Department of Human Resources v. Hibbs (Decided)

11/6/2002 -

Chavez v. Martinez (Decided)

10/29/2002 -

Connecticut Dept. of Public Safety v. Doe (Decided)

10/2/2002 -

Lockyer v. Andrade (Decided)

10/2/2002 -

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