Griswold v. Connecticut

Definition

Griswold v. Connecticut was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1965 that established the constitutional right to privacy, particularly concerning marital relations and contraceptive use. This case challenged a Connecticut law that prohibited the use of contraceptives and was pivotal in shaping the legal landscape around reproductive rights and personal autonomy in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case arose when Estelle Griswold, executive director of the Planned Parenthood League of Connecticut, was arrested for providing information about contraceptives to married couples.
2. The Supreme Court ruled that the Connecticut law was unconstitutional because it violated the right to marital privacy, which is implied by several amendments in the Bill of Rights.
3. The decision in Griswold v. Connecticut laid the groundwork for future cases related to reproductive rights and personal privacy, influencing subsequent rulings such as Roe v. Wade.
4. Justice William O. Douglas wrote the majority opinion, highlighting that the right to privacy is derived from various amendments including the First, Third, Fourth, and Ninth Amendments.
5. Griswold v. Connecticut marked a significant shift in American law, establishing a precedent that would protect individuals from unwarranted government intrusion into their private lives.

Review Questions

• How did Griswold v. Connecticut contribute to the understanding of privacy rights in America?
  • Griswold v. Connecticut played a crucial role in establishing the concept of privacy rights in American law by asserting that individuals have a constitutional right to make personal decisions regarding marriage and contraception without government interference. The ruling recognized that certain liberties are fundamental to the order and liberty of a free society, forming a legal basis for protecting personal choices from state regulation.
• What implications did the Griswold v. Connecticut decision have for later court cases regarding reproductive rights?
  • The implications of Griswold v. Connecticut were significant for later court cases like Roe v. Wade, which built upon the established right to privacy. By affirming that couples have a right to access contraception, the Supreme Court opened the door for broader interpretations of privacy rights concerning reproductive decisions. This foundational case influenced how courts view personal autonomy and set precedents for further legal battles over reproductive health.
• Evaluate how Griswold v. Connecticut reflects societal attitudes toward marriage and personal autonomy during the 1960s.
  • Griswold v. Connecticut reflects a pivotal moment in societal attitudes toward marriage and personal autonomy during the 1960s, as it challenged existing norms about state control over intimate relationships. The case illustrated a growing recognition of individual rights and personal freedom, especially regarding family planning and reproductive choices. This shift indicated an emerging belief that adults should be able to make private decisions about their marriages without governmental oversight, paving the way for more progressive views on sexuality and reproductive health.

Related terms

Right to Privacy: A legal concept that protects an individual's privacy from governmental intrusion, which is not explicitly stated in the Constitution but has been inferred from various amendments.

Contraceptive: Methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy during or following sexual intercourse, which became a focal point in the Griswold v. Connecticut case.

Roe v. Wade: A landmark Supreme Court decision in 1973 that expanded on the principles established in Griswold v. Connecticut, affirming a woman's right to choose to have an abortion under the right to privacy.