Liberty on Trial in America: Cases That Defined Freedom

Take a deep dive into the fascinating legal battles that have defined the rights and freedoms of Americans throughout history.

Overview

Course No. 8692

We like to believe that the founding principle of the United States is liberty. “Give me liberty, or give me death!” Patrick Henry famously said in 1775 to encourage the Virginia colonists to fight for their freedom. But many of the liberties we enjoy today were not initially part of American life. In “Liberty on Trial in America: Cases That Defined Freedom,” you’ll learn how liberty increased through pivotal legal battles and landmark cases that tested the limits of the Constitution.

In 24 fascinating lectures, Professor Douglas O. Linder takes you behind the scenes of the trials that brought many of the liberties we enjoy today. Learn about Anne Hutchinson’s trial for heresy, Susan B. Anthony’s arrest for voting, and the fight for civil rights, among others. These stories illustrate the evolving nature of freedom in America.

Video Lessons

01: The Trial of Anne Hutchinson

Explore the trials of Anne Hutchinson in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and her impact on religious freedom. Duration: 31 min

02: The Trial of John Peter Zenger

Learn about the trial that challenged press freedom and voter suppression in early America. Duration: 29 min

03: Two Slave Trials

Examine the trials of Anthony Burns and Celia to understand legal support for slavery. Duration: 29 min

04: The Trial of John Brown

Discover John Brown’s trial and its role in the abolitionist movement. Duration: 29 min

05: The Trial of Susan B. Anthony

Understand how Susan B. Anthony’s trial spotlighted women’s suffrage. Duration: 30 min

06: The Trial of the Haymarket Eight

Explore the free speech implications of the trial following the Haymarket affair. Duration: 30 min

07: The Trial of John T. Scopes

Investigate the famous “Scopes Monkey Trial” and its impact on education laws. Duration: 32 min

08: The Sweet Trials, Race, and Self-Defense

Learn about Dr. Ossian Sweet’s trial and its reflection on American racial tensions. Duration: 31 min

09: Jehovah’s Witnesses and Flag-Salute Cases

Understand the Supreme Court’s rulings on flag salute requirements. Duration: 28 min

10: Korematsu v. United States

Examine the controversial internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. Duration: 30 min

11: Segregation on Trial

Analyze the landmark cases that challenged segregation, from Plessy to Brown. Duration: 31 min

12: The Lenny Bruce Trials

Explore Lenny Bruce’s battles for free speech in his stand-up comedy. Duration: 31 min

13: The Evolving Right to Marry

Trace the journey from interracial marriage equality to same-sex marriage rights. Duration: 29 min

14: Wisconsin v. Yoder

Understand the educational and religious freedom issues in the Amish case. Duration: 29 min

15: Furman v. Georgia

Delve into the complexities of capital punishment law in the U.S. Duration: 29 min

16: The Trial of Daniel Ellsberg

Explore the legal battles over the Pentagon Papers and their impact on freedom of the press. Duration: 30 min

17: The Road to Roe v. Wade

Discover the legal path that led to the landmark abortion rights decision. Duration: 29 min

18: The Right to an Intimate Life

Learn about the extension of privacy rights to include intimate relationships. Duration: 29 min

19: The Ruby Ridge Trial

Examine the controversial stand-off and its implications for government power and individual rights. Duration: 30 min

20: The Trials of Jack Kevorkian

Explore Jack Kevorkian’s legal struggles for the right to euthanasia. Duration: 30 min

21: Boy Scouts of America v. Dale

Analyze the case that pitted anti-discrimination claims against associative rights. Duration: 28 min

22: Kelo v. City of New London

Investigate the eminent domain case and its implications for property rights. Duration: 29 min

23: The Citizens United Case

Discuss corporate political spending and its impact on election influence. Duration: 30 min

24: Liberty for Nonhumans?

Consider future rights for nonhuman animals through notable legal cases. Duration: 34 min