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Judicial Branch/Supreme Court

The judicial branch of government uses its power to interpret the Constitution and the laws made under it to check the two other branches of government and to maintain the separation of powers among the three branches. For example, the Supreme Court uses judicial review to prevent either the legislative or executive branch from violating the Constitution. The Court can declare null and void actions of the Congress or the president that exceed or contradict their powers as expressed in the Constitution.

Court Quest

February 17, 2016 courts

Players help guide ordinary citizens who are looking for justice through local, state and federal court systems.

The Slaughterhouse Cases

February 16, 2016 Slaughterhouse Cases

Larry Kramer, former Dean of Stanford Law School and constitutional scholar, discusses the Slaughterhouse cases, and the rights of the federal government to legislate or control the states.

Nike v. Kasky (2003)

February 16, 2016

Are statements issued by a Nike, Inc. considered commercial speech or protected speech? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2003.

Owasso v. Falvo (2002)

February 16, 2016 educationFamily Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974privacystudent rights

Does the practice of peer grading violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2002.

Parents Involved v. Seattle (2007)

February 16, 2016 educationequal protection clauserace

Does the Equal Protection Clause forbid school districts from using a race-conscious student assignment plan to promote racial integration? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2007.

PGA Tour v. Martin (2001)

February 16, 2016 Americans with Disabilities Actcivil rightshuman rights

Does the Americans with Disabilities Act apply to participants in athletic competitions held in places of public accommodation? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2001.

Pottawatomie v. Earls (2002)

February 16, 2016 student rightsunreasonable search and seizure

Is a school system’s random suspicionless drug-testing of students involved in extracurricular activities in violation of the Fourth Amendment? This Supreme Court case summery answers some questions about students’ rights in a high school setting.

Randall v. Sorrell (2006)

February 16, 2016 campaign finance reformfree speech

Do Vermont’s limits on campaign contributions and spending violate the First Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2006.

Rasul v. Bush (2004)

February 16, 2016 9/11Guantanamo Bayhabeas corpusRasul v. BushSupreme Courtterrorismterrorist

Do U.S. courts have jurisdiction to consider legal appeals filed on behalf of foreign citizens held at Guantanamo? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2004.

Ricci v. DeStefano (2009)

February 16, 2016 civil rightsEqual Employment Opportunities Commissionhuman rights

Can an employer reject the results of an employment test because one racial group scored substantially higher than others? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2009.