Contemporary Topics

These topics stimulate critical thinking, provide the basis for presentations and simulations, and enliven student homework and projects. The resources are posted in a variety of formats for immediate use in the classroom and the courtroom, including scripted courtroom dramas, civil discussions, Oxford style debates, Supreme Court oral arguments, and Supreme Court case conferences.

Common Life Issues

• Texting While Driving

  Courtroom Simulation

• Rights of Passengers

  Brendlin v. California

• High-Speed Police Chase

  Scott v. Harris

• Downloading Music and Movies

  Courtroom Simulation

First Amendment - (religion, speech, assembly, petition)

• Pillars of the First Amendment

• Religion at School

  Engel v. Vitale

• Free Speech and School Conduct

  Morse v. Frederick

• Flag Burning

  Texas v. Johnson

• School Newspapers

  Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier

• Public Assembly

  Cox v. New Hampshire

Fourth Amendment - (search and seizure)

• Teen House Party Search

  Courtroom Simulation

• Cell Phone Surveillance

  Katz v. United States

Sixth Amendment - (fair trials)

• Balancing Free Speech and Fair Trial

  Carey v. Musladin

• Journalists and Grand Juries

  Branzburg v. Hayes

FISA

• Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act