United States v. Nixon

United States v. Nixon (1974)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
During the Watergate scandal, President Richard Nixon claimed executive privilege to withhold Oval Office tapes subpoenaed for use in a criminal trial. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that while executive privilege exists, it is not absolute and cannot override the demands of due process and the fair administration of justice.

Separation of Powers Cases

Clinton v. City of New York

Clinton v. City of New York (1998)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
Congress passed the Line Item Veto Act, allowing the President to cancel specific spending items after signing a bill into law. President Clinton used the power to cancel certain budget items. The Supreme Court struck down the Act, holding that it violated the Presentment Clause because it effectively let the President amend or repeal laws unilaterally.

Separation of Powers Cases

Bush v. Gore

Bush v. Gore (2000)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
The 2000 presidential election came down to disputed results in Florida. The Florida Supreme Court ordered a manual recount, but the U.S. Supreme Court halted it, ruling that the lack of uniform recount standards violated the Equal Protection Clause. The decision effectively awarded Florida’s electoral votes—and the presidency—to George W. Bush.

Executive Power Cases

Trump v. United States

Trump v. United States (2024)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the Supreme Court opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
The case asked whether a former President is immune from federal criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office. The Supreme Court held that a President has absolute immunity from prosecution for core constitutional powers, presumptive immunity for official acts, and no immunity for unofficial acts. The Court remanded the case to determine which of Trump’s alleged actions fell into each category.