Wonderscape
The Process for Filling a Supreme Court Vacancy
This video explains how Supreme Court justices are nominated and confirmed, covering the role of the President, Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Senate. It also discusses lifetime appointments and the process for filling vacancies,...
Wonderscape
How the Supreme Court Makes and Announces Its Decisions
This video explains the process by which the U.S. Supreme Court makes its decisions, including the review of briefs, oral arguments, and private conferences. Learn how the justices reach a majority opinion and the role of dissenting and...
Wonderscape
How Cases Reach the U.S. Supreme Court
This video explains the process by which cases are selected and heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, including the role of appeals, writs of certiorari, and the rule of four. It also covers the types of cases that originate directly in the...
Wonderscape
The Role and Powers of the U.S. Supreme Court
This video explains the powers of the U.S. Supreme Court, focusing on its role in judicial review and interpreting the Constitution. Learn how the Court checks the powers of other government branches and the limits placed on the Court's...
Wonderscape
The Early History of the U.S. Supreme Court
This video explores the creation and development of the U.S. Supreme Court, from its establishment in 1787 to the Judiciary Act of 1869, which set the number of justices at nine. Learn about the court's early challenges, its evolving...
Wonderscape
Checks and Balances: How the US Government Limits Power
This video explains the system of checks and balances that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful. It shows how Congress, the president, and the Supreme Court can limit each other's authority, including the ability to...
Wonderscape
The Judicial Branch: Understanding the US Court System
This video covers the role of the judicial branch, which interprets the laws of the United States. It explains the structure of the federal courts, including the Supreme Court, and discusses how justices are appointed for life to handle...
Wonderscape
Thurgood Marshall: The First African American Supreme Court Justice
This video explores Thurgood Marshall’s historic appointment to the Supreme Court in 1967 by President Lyndon Johnson and his legacy as a justice. Known for his strong stance on civil rights, Justice Marshall advocated for the rights of...
Wonderscape
Thurgood Marshall’s Rise: From Appeals Court to Solicitor General
This video covers Thurgood Marshall’s legal career in the 1960s, starting with his appointment to the US Court of Appeals by President John F. Kennedy. Learn how Marshall’s decisions upheld civil rights and privacy, leading to his role...
Wonderscape
Thurgood Marshall’s Fight Against Segregation: Key Supreme Court Cases
This video highlights Thurgood Marshall’s impactful legal career, focusing on his role in challenging racial discrimination. Known as "Mr. Civil Rights," Marshall argued and won landmark cases like Smith v. Allwright and Brown v. Board...
Wonderscape
How the Supreme Court Selects and Decides Cases
Learn how a case gets heard by the Supreme Court, starting with the Rule of Four, where four justices must agree to review a case. Discover the process of oral arguments, written briefs, and how the Court announces its decisions through...
Wonderscape
The Role of the Supreme Court
Discover the critical role of the Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution and determining the legality of laws through judicial review. Learn how Supreme Court justices are appointed, how they review cases, and how their decisions...
Wonderscape
The Structure and Role of the Judicial Branch
Explore the structure of the judicial branch, which consists of three levels of federal courts: district courts, circuit courts, and the Supreme Court. Learn how the judicial branch clarifies the laws of the United States and handles...
Wonderscape
The Establishment of the Judicial Branch
Discover how the judicial branch of the United States was created following the Revolutionary War. Learn how the Constitution established the Supreme Court and how Congress shaped the structure of the judicial system, including the...
Mr. Beat
Protecting Extreme Speech | Snyder v. Phelps
In episode 76 of Supreme Court Briefs, the Westboro Baptist Church decides to protest a dead soldier's funeral with signs like “Thank God for Dead Soldiers,” “God Hates Fags,” “You’re Going to Hell,” and “God Hates America.” The dead...
Mr. Beat
How the Supreme Court Made It Easier to Get a Gun | McDonald v. Chicago
In episode 77 of Supreme Court Briefs, an old dude wants to buy a handgun to defend his home after it is robbed, but Chicago won't let him. So he sues their butts.
Wonderscape
Understanding the Judicial Branch in US State Government
Delve into the powers and responsibilities of the judicial branch in state government, including the role of the state supreme court and lower courts. Learn how the judiciary interprets laws and ensures they align with the state...
Wonderscape
Understanding the 11th Amendment: A Key Change in U.S. Constitution
Discover the significance of the 11th Amendment, ratified in 1795, which addresses sovereign immunity and limits the ability to sue states in federal court. Originating from the case of Chisholm v. Georgia, this amendment highlights the...
Wonderscape
The 14th Amendment: Citizenship, Equal Rights, and Civil Liberties
Discover the impact of the 14th Amendment, a key Reconstruction Amendment that played a crucial role in reshaping the American legal landscape post-Civil War. This amendment redefined citizenship, guaranteeing equal protection and due...
Curated Video
Native American Reservations, Explained.
How did Native Americans end up on Reservations? We explore the complicated relationship between the Indian Nations and the United States of America. Watch Tai Leclaire breakdown all you need to know about the Reservation system and why...
Curated Video
Democratic Laws
Dr. Forrester reviews how a democratic government works. She discusses why laws are enacted and the process involved in passing a law.
Curated Video
Terms of Office
Dr. Forrester talks about our three-tiered form of government. She gives an overview of each branch of government and discusses how officials are elected.
Curated Video
Supreme Court
Sitting at the pinnacle of the judicial branch of government, the U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the land. Its landmark rulings have had an enduring impact on American life and law.
Curated Video
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
The top ranking officer of the US federal judiciary, the Chief Justice presides over the US Supreme Court. But how did the role come into being and what are his or her roles and responsibilities?