Chapter 12: Supreme Court Decision Making "Exploring the Supreme Court"

Introduction

In this chapter students learned about how the Supreme Court selects, hears, and decides cases; how the Court shapes public policy; and the forces that influence the Court's decisions. In this activity students will take a closer look at the inner workings of the Supreme Court and examine the impact its decisions have on society today.

Lesson Description

Students will visit the official Web site of the United States Supreme Court to learn more about its formation, traditions, and procedures. They will then conduct additional research about a recent Supreme Court case and consider the impact the decision in the case has had on society.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will be able to describe procedures and various traditions of the Supreme Court.
2. Students will be able to analyze the impact of Supreme Court decisions on society.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. Justices are appointed by the president and must be approved by the Senate.
2. The Justices wear black robes, are seated according to seniority on the bench, and most serve for quite long terms. The use of quill pens, the "Conference handshake," and the Supreme Court's seal are other traditions.
3. During "sittings," the Justices hear cases and deliver opinions. Each side is allowed 30 minutes to argue its case, and there is usually neither a jury nor any witnesses. During "recesses" the Justices write opinions and consider the business before the Court.
4. Few other courts in the world enjoy the same power of constitutional interpretation as that of the United States, and none have practiced it for as long or with as much authority. The determination of the United States to protect and preserve its written Constitution has made it the oldest written Constitution still in force.
5. Students' reports will vary.