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.
Troxel v. Granville (2000)
Is a Washington state law that allows any third party to petition for child visitation rights over parental objections constitutional? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2000.
U.S. v. Alvarez (2012)
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.