THE BILL OF RIGHTS PROJECT



THE WARREN COURT PROJECT

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The Warren Court refers to the Supreme Court of the United States between 1953 and 1969, when Earl Warren served as Chief Justice. Marking some of the most dramatic changes in judicial power and philosophy in the history of the American judiciary, the Court expanded civil rights and liberties, judicial power, and the federal power in dramatic ways.

The court was both applauded and criticized for bringing an end to racial segregation in the United States, incorporating the Bill of Rights (i.e. applying it to states), and ending officially-sanctioned voluntary prayer in public schools. The period is recognized as a high point in judicial power that has receded ever since, but with a substantial continuing impact.

Prominent members of the Court during the Warren era besides the Chief Justice included Justices William J. Brennan, Jr., William O. Douglas, Hugo Black, Felix Frankfurter, and John Marshall Harlan II.

►For this project, you will research one of the important decisions of the Warren Court.

►Each presentation will be at least 5-10 minutes.

►Each presentation should do the following:

- Explain the facts of the case. Identify persons involved and circumstances that brought the case before the court.

- Identify the constitutional issues before the court. What did the court have to decide? What part of the constitution was applied?

- Explain the decision of the court. What did the court decide, and why? Which justices signed onto the opinion? Were there any dissenting opinions?

- Explain to us why the case is relevant today. Consider what could happen without the case.

- Submit to questions from the class

► Visuals are a required part of your presentation

This project is worth 25 points. Grading criteria include the following: knowledge of the case; ability to explain the constitutional reasoning of the court; use of visuals to enhance your presentation; ability to answer questions. Evidence of planning and preparation will be considered.

A portion of your grade will be determined by the class. See Project Rubric for specifics.

IMPORTANT DECISIONS OF THE WARREN COURT

Racial segregation

Brown v. Board of Education, Bolling v. Sharpe, Cooper v. Aaron, Gomillion v. Lightfoot, Griffin v. County School Board, Green v. School Board of New Kent County, Lucy v. Adams, Loving v. Virginia

Voting & redistricting

Baker v. Carr, Reynolds v. Sims, Wesberry v. Sanders

Criminal procedure

Brady v. Maryland, Mapp v. Ohio, Miranda v. Arizona, Escobedo v. Illinois, Gideon v. Wainwright, Katz v. United States, Terry v. Ohio

Free speech

New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, Brandenburg v. Ohio, Yates v. United States, Roth v. United States, Jacobellis v. Ohio, Memoirs v. Massachusetts, Tinker v. Des Moines School District

Establishment Clause

Engel v. Vitale, Abington School District v. Schempp

Free Exercise Clause

Sherbert v. Verner

Right to privacy and reproductive rights

Griswold v. Connecticut

Cruel and unusual punishment

Trop v. Dulles, Robinson v. California

WARREN COURT PROJECT

SCORING RUBRIC

Name ___________________________________________ Period _____

|CATEGORY |1 - 5 |

|CONTENT(Facts) | |

|Explains the facts in language class can understand; breaks down case into| |

|component parts; provides enough information to explain and clarify the | |

|case. | |

|CONTENT (Constitutional Reasoning) | |

|Explains the court’s decision and rule of law; addresses the importance of| |

|the Supreme Court opinion and continuing relevance. | |

|DELIVERY (Oral Presentation) | |

|Presents topic in a logical, interesting sequence that audience can | |

|follow; eye contact; limited amount of reading; topic presented in an | |

|engaging, conversational manner; evidence of rehearsal; observes 10-minute| |

|time limit | |

|DELIVERY (Visuals) | |

|Uses different media creatively; includes visual information relevant to | |

|content; explains visuals to class; quality and variety of visuals enhance| |

|presentation; evidence of preparation | |

|CONDUCT | |

|Library and class time used well; remained on task | |

GRADE ____/25

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