Griswold's privacy ruling relates to which relationship?

• A. The right to privacy in intimate relationships.
• B. The power of the federal government over states.
• C. The prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment.
• D. The right to trial by jury.

Answer: (A)

Griswold v. Connecticut tests the idea that there is a protected space of privacy for personal decisions within intimate relationships, specifically the marital bedroom. The Court held that a law banning the use of contraception by married couples violated this privacy, recognizing that certain intimate decisions are shielded by the Constitution even though the word privacy doesn’t appear there. This privacy protection arises from the broader liberties embedded in the First, Third, Fourth, and Ninth Amendments, which together create a zone of autonomy in matters of intimate life.

That’s why the option describing privacy in intimate relationships is the best fit. It isn’t about federal vs. state power (that would address federalism), nor about punishment (Eighth Amendment) or jury rights (Sixth/Seventh Amendments).