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Making the Supreme Court Matter to Teens
Here are lessons and ideas to help social studies teachers enlighten students about the importance of the Supreme Court.
PBS
Understanding and Applying the Miranda Decision
How does the Supreme Court Miranda decision affect court cases? Scholars watch a video about the decision, discuss its application in various cases, fill out multiple handouts, and work in groups to better understand how much weight the...
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From Basketball Court to Supreme Court
Students discuss scenarios about unfairness and retaliation in school sports. They read about a recent Supreme Court ruling about Title IX, and research, conduct polls and write articles about public opinions on gender issues in sports.
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Choosing Supreme Court Justices in 2005
Students explore the process of choosing a Supreme Court judge and the impact that a nominee's views can have on the bench. They study the events surrounding each current judges nomination and the effect they had on the court.
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Judicial Void
Students explore the impact of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court. They research potential nominees to replace her, in light of her resignation, and write letters to President George W. Bush to share opinions of the...
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What Makes a Good Law?
Why were laws created? Spark a group discussion on why we need laws to co-exist. Should the sale of some things be outlawed on Sundays? Read a case summary between Target and the state of Minnesota that debated this issue. Ask your...
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State v. Russell, Minnesota Supreme Court
High schoolers examine the impact of court decisions. In this Minnesota Supreme Court lesson, students read the State v. Russell case study regarding cocaine drug use. High schoolers take notes on the case and respond to discussion...
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Decisions, Decisions...
Students explore some of the top Supreme Court cases of the 1998-1999 term, assessing the issues behind these cases and the potential impact of the decisions made by the Court. Small groups closely examine one of this term's Supreme...
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Brown v. Board of Education
Students examine school segregation and equal protection laws. In this Supreme Court lesson, students examine primary documents from Brown v. Board of Education and discuss the implications of the decision.
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Mapp v. Ohio (1961)
Students examine warrantless searches and due process. In this Supreme Court lesson, students examine primary documents from Mapp v. Ohio and discuss the implications of the decision.
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Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
Young scholars examine state rights and the commerce clause. In this Supreme Court lesson, students examine primary documents from Gibbons v. Ogden and discuss the implications of the decision.
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Texas v. Johnson
Students examine the freedom of speech. In this Supreme Court lesson, students analyze primary documents from Texas v. Johnson and discuss the implications of the decision regarding flag burning.
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Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
Students examine Miranda v. Arizona. In this court decisions lesson, students analyze the self incrimination case and read other supplemental articles about police procedures and due process. Students discuss the Supreme Court decision...
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United States v. Nixon (1974)
Students examine checks and balances. In this Supreme Court lesson, students examine primary documents from United States v. Nixon and discuss the implications of the decision.
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Dred Scott v. Sandford
Students examine the issues of slavery and due process. In this Supreme Court lesson, students examine primary documents from Dred Scott v. Sandford and discuss the implications of the decision.
Administrative Office of the US Courts
US v. Alvarez
Is it illegal to lie about military service? Discuss the ways the First Amendment affects the Stolen Valor Act with a lesson that focuses on the Supreme Court case U.S. v. Alvarez. As high schoolers learn more about the history of the...
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The Juvenile Death Penalty
Sensitive material is discussed in this lesson. Please review to ensure that the content is suitable for your class. The topic is the Eighth Amendment and how the U.S. Supreme Court makes determinations about what constitutes cruel and...
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John G. Roberts, Jr. -- Nominee, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
Students examine the life and work of John G. Roberts, the nominee to be the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In groups, they use the internet to define the role of the Chief Justice and complete handouts to record their information....
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The "Big Four" of the Michigan Supreme Court
Learners identify the justices on the Michigan Supreme Court known as the "Big Four". They relate to them by researching their lives. They participate in an activity in which they practice their investigation and presentation skills.
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A Look At The Current Court
Young scholars examine the characteristics of Supreme Court Justices. Using the interent, they research current effects effecting the Court. They complete a worksheet after examine the biographies of the justices. As a class, they...
State Bar of Texas
Baker v. Carr
Can the federal government override the state government to protect the citizens of the United States? The 1962 Supreme Court case Baker v. Carr outlines the issue of equal protection under the law. Scholars investigate with a short...
State Bar of Texas
Hernandez v. Texas
What if the jury is not made up of people from your ethnicity or background—are they still considered your peers? Scholars analyze the impact the Supreme Court case Hernandez v. Texas had on jury selection across the nation. Paired...
State Bar of Texas
Grutter v. Bollinger
A university decides not to allow a qualified scholar to enter its institution based on skin and gender—but this case is about a white female? The 2003 Supreme Court case Grutter v. Bollinger lays the foundation for open discussion and...
State Bar of Texas
Schenck v. US
Freedom of speech is absolute—or is it? The Supreme Court case Schenck v. United States has learners research what free speech really looks like. A short video along with paired work creates open discussion and thought on what speech is...