US National Archives
Our Documents: Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857)
Learn about the Dred Scott decision and why it changed the course of American history even though many now consider it the worst opinion ever rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court. Includes full-page scans of the decision, a transcription,...
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: James Wilson
James Wilson lived what one might call a double life. His formidable intellect, passion for politics, and willingness to fight for his beliefs made him one of the most influential leaders of his time. On the other hand, his penchant for...
US Department of Justice
Statement by Attorney General Reno on 35th Anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright
This press release outlines the impact the Gideon case has had on the legal system since its announcement by the Supreme Court in 1963.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: u.s. Supreme Court: In Re Gault (1967)
Full court transcript of 1967 U.S. Supreme Court case involving a juvenile, Gerald Gault.
PBS
Pbs: Interview With Bennett Gershman, Former Prosecutor
Why does the criminal justice system resist reopening cases based on new DNA evidence? This former prosecutor sheds light on the answer in this informative interview.
PBS
Pbs: Interview With Jim Liebman, Constitutional Law Professor at Columbia Univ.
Does innocence matter in our criminal justice system? Don't the DNA cases show that we are not getting the right outcome in more cases than we previously thought?
Other
Supreme Court Rules in Exclusionary Rule Case
Description of a 1995 court case, Arizona v. Evans, in which the ruling was reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court and how the case applies to the Exclusionary Rule.
Other
Representative Democracy Has Failed
This politically oriented site outlines the degeneration of American Democracy and the erosion of democratic principles as exemplified by unconstitutional actions on the part of the Federal and State governments, as in the examples of...
Cornell University
Cornell University: Law School: In Re Gault
The full text of the Supreme Court opinion, delivered by Mr. Justice Fortas, which reversed the judgement in the 1967 Arizona case against 15-year old Gerald Gault.
Other
Grace Communications: Food Print
An environmentally conscious group brings to light the relationship between food, water and energy, and the importance of sustainability. The site looks at issues such as animal welfare, social justices, food policy, the industrial food...
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Advice and Consent: Supreme Court Nominations (Lesson Plan)
A lesson that explains the role of checks and balances in U.S. system of government. Students will describe the process of selecting justices for the Supreme Court, will examine past Supreme Court cases, and will discuss how the Supreme...