jun 26, 2003 - Lawrence v. Texas (2003)

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This decision overruled Bower v. Hardwick (1986). John Lawrence was charged with sodomy after police entered his home in Texas, having received a false tip of a weapon inside. Lawrence was found engaging in sodomy with Tyron Garner and both were arrested and convicted under Texas's anti-sodomy laws. Lawrence and Garner challenged their convicts, stating it was unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment.

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the conviction unconstitutional under the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment. The decision was defended with a right to privacy, including private sex without government interference. The case also rests on bodily autonomy and individual choices allotted to all citizens. The Court additionally rejected moral disapproval as a significant basis for legislation.

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