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Schenck v. United States homework help graphic featuring the Supreme Court building and gavel icon.
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Landmark Supreme Court Cases: Schenck v United States

7 items

Schenck v. United States homework help graphic featuring the Supreme Court building and gavel icon.
Schenck v. United States | BRI’s Homework Help Series
Video

Video

3 Min

Schenck v. United States was a Supreme Court Case that explained some limits to the Freedom of Speech afforded by the First Amendment. During World War I, the US instituted a military draft. Many people released anti-war and anti-government information due to their displeasure with the draft. Charles Schenck, an anti-war socialist, was arrested by the Federal Government for circulating a pamphlet encouraging men to resist the draft and violating the Espionage Act of 1917. The Supreme Court ruled that wartime circumstances changed the rules related to free speech and resulted in the “Clear and Present Danger” rule.
3 Min
U.S. Supreme Court building with an American flag waving in front and the words "Equal Justice" inscribed above.
Schenck v. United States (1919)
Lesson - 4 Activities

Lesson

4 Activities

Case background and primary source documents concerning the Supreme Court case of Schenck v. United States. Dealing with the First Amendment's free speech protections and whether it has limits during wartime, this lesson asks students to evaluate the Supreme Court's limitations of free speech set forth in Schenck.
The façade of a large neoclassical building with columns, featuring sculptures and steps, under a blue sky.
Schenck v. United States (1919) Answer Key
Resource

Resource

Historic U.S. Navy recruiting poster featuring a sailor with a map and another sailor holding an American flag.
Primary Sources Schenck v. United States
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Activity

Images and excerpted texts that provide background for the Schenck v. United States Supreme Court Case.
Document discussing Schenck v. United States (1919), focusing on the military draft and First Amendment rights.
Schenck v. United States – Case Background
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Activity

Text from historical documents discussing the First Amendment and a presidential address from 1915.
Documents to Examine (A-I) – Schenck v. United States (1919)
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Activity

Political cartoon featuring two figures discussing the Patriot Act and the arrest of reporters. Text highlights ongoing issues.
The Issue Endures – Schenck v. United States (1919)
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Activity