The Insular Cases

Aug 14, 2023

Explore the lasting effects of the Insular Cases on the civil rights and lives of people in US territories. Learn about the philosophy of manifest destiny, debates around territorial acquisition, and the constitutional rights disparity between territories and the continental US. Discover the court cases and arguments surrounding the Insular Cases, including the impact on Puerto Rico's legal status. Uncover the limitations on constitutional rights for people in territories and the issue of legal racism.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

The Insular Cases and their Impact on US Territories

01:42 • 7min

The Philosophy of Manifest Destiny, Annexation, and Exceptions

08:47 • 5min

US Control of Territories and Constitutional Rights Disparity

13:41 • 10min

Court Cases and the Constitutionality of the Foraker Act

23:49 • 4min

The Insular Cases and the Implications for Territories

27:38 • 23min

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50:46 • 2min

The Insular Cases are SCOTUS cases regarding rights of people in U.S. territories. They’re considered U.S. citizens from birth, but they don’t have the same constitutional rights or representation as citizens who live in one of the 50 states.

Research:

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Carstensen, Vernon. “The Constitutional and Territorial Expansion.” https://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/IND88053401/pdf
DeLima v. Bidwell, 182 U.S. 1 (1901). https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/182/1/
Dooley v. United States, 182 U.S. 222 (1901). https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/182/222/
Dooley v. United States, 183 U.S. 151 (1901). https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/183/151/
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