The Supreme Court: The Judicial Power of the United States
This lesson provides an introduction to the Supreme Court. Students will learn basic facts about the Supreme Court by examining the United States Constitution and one of the landmark cases decided by that court. The lesson is designed to help students understand how the Supreme Court operates.
The federal judiciary, which includes the Supreme Court as well as the district and circuit courts, is one of three branches of the federal government. The judiciary has played a key role in American history and remains a powerful voice in resolving contemporary controversies. The first governing document of this nation, the Articles of Confederation, gave Congress certain judicial powers, but did not establish a distinct federal court system.
Samson v. California (2006)
Does the Fourth Amendment prohibit police from conducting an suspicionless search of a parolee? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2006.
Santa Fe v. Doe (2000)
Does a public school policy permitting student-led, student-initiated prayers at football games violate the Establishment Clause? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2000.
Schriro v. Landrigan (2007)
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)
February 15, 2016
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.