Was an attorney ineffective for failure to present mitigating evidence during a sentencing hearing, even though his client opposed the use of the evidence? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2007.
Scott v. Harris (2007)
A sheriff’s deputy runs a fleeing, speeding motorist off the road—is the action an unreasonable seizure under the Fourth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2007.
John Marshall, Marbury v. Madison and Judicial Review—How the Court Became Supreme
If James Madison was the “father” of the Constitution” John Marshall was the “father of the Supreme Court”—almost single-handedly clarifying its powers. This new lesson is designed to help students understand Marshall’s brilliant strategy in issuing his decision on Marbury v. Madison, the significance of the concept of judicial review, and the language of this watershed case.
Shelby County v. Holder (2013)
Did Congress’s decision in 2006 to reauthorize Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act exceeded its authority to regulate voting? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2013.
Smith v. Doe (2003)
Does Alaska’s Sex Offender Registration Act violate the Ex Post Facto Clause? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2003.
Snyder v. Phelps (2011)
Can individuals/organizations be held liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress when commenting on matters of public concern? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2011.
Sutton v. United Air Lines (1999)
Can a person’s physical impairment fall under the ADA’s definition of “disability” if it can be corrected? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 1999.
Thornton v. U.S. (2004)
May police officers legally search a vehicle if the arrestee was stopped by police after exiting the vehicle? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2004.
Town of Greece v. Galloway (2013)
Did the Town of Greece’s practice of opening board meetings with a prayer violate the First Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2013.
To Kill A Mockingbird and the Scottsboro Boys Trial: Profiles in Courage
Students study select court transcripts and other primary source material from the second Scottsboro Boys Trial of 1933, a continuation of the first trial in which two young white women wrongfully accused nine African-American youths of rape.