Does a law that punishes a lie about having received a military honor violate the First Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2012.
Crime
No matter who you are, crime affects your life. As a student, your school might be vandalized or your wallet stolen. As a taxpayer, you will be expected to contribute money in the fight against crime or to repair the damage it does. As a voter, you will be asked to chose candidates based in part, at least, on their views about solutions to crime. Everyone agrees that crime is a serious problem. Few agree about its causes or solutions. Teachers can help students explore these concepts in this unit plan with accompanying texts.
McCulloch v. Maryland
Students read about and discuss the landmark Supreme Court case of McCulloch v. Maryland. In a group activity, students study Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution and the 10th Amendment of the Bill of Rights. The groups decide which of several proposals Congress has the authority under Article I, Section 8, to establish or regulate and give their reasons.
U.S. v. American Library Association (2003)
Does a prison’s policy on restricting print publications and photographs violate prisoners’ First Amendment rights? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2003.
U.S. v. Drayton (2002)
During a random search, must police officers advise passengers of their right to not cooperate when asked to consent to a search? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2002.
U.S. v. Jones (2012)
Can police attach a GPS unit to a suspect’s car without a warrant? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2012.
U.S. v. Morrison (2000)
Does Congress have the authority to enact the Violence Against Women Act under either the Commerce Clause or Fourteenth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2000.
U.S. v. Oakland Cannabis (2001)
Does a medical necessity exception to the Controlled Substances Act’s prohibition on the manufacture and distribution of various drugs exist? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2001.
U.S. v. Stevens (2010)
Does a law banning the sale of images of animal cruelty violate the speaker’s right to the freedom of speech? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2010.
Constitutional Index – Judicial Power Clause
The Constitutional Index breaks down the U.S. Constitution by Section, Amendment, and Clause and contains broader topics and themes. These are used to cross-reference Library resources in an effort to annotate constitutional history.