Supreme Court Round-Up 2022-2023
Introduction
The Supreme Court plays a significant role in our government, hearing cases and establishing precedents on how to interpret the law. Each year, citizens bring cases before the Court on important constitutional questions. The Justices are sometimes unanimous in their decisions, but often, they will disagree. Understanding these decisions and how and why they are decided helps hold the court accountable and paves the way for future Supreme Court decisions.
Take a look at a few of the cases heard this term and decide whether or not you agree with the Court’s decision.
Then, review cases that are pending to decide how you believe the Court should rule. How might the precedents set by these decisions impact the future of the United States?
Directions
Select one case from the “finished cases” list and one case from the “pending cases” list. The links below can serve as a good starting point for research. Then answer the following questions.
Decided Cases
Pending Cases
Tyler v. Hennepin County, Minnesota
Students for Fair Admission v. University of North Carolina
Decided Cases Questions
- What was the question argued in the case?
- What was the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the case?
- Which Supreme Court justice wrote the majority or unanimous opinion? Which justice wrote the dissenting opinion, if any? Which justice wrote the concurring opinion, if any?
- Do you agree with the court’s decision? Explain your answer.
- Do you believe the Supreme Court has fulfilled its constitutional duty in making this decision? Why or why not?
Pending Cases Questions
- What is the question argued in the case?
- What are the arguments you expect to see presented?
- How do you expect the Court to rule? Why?
- What precedents might they draw upon?
- How would you rule if you were on the Supreme Court? Why?