National Government: The Judicial Branch
Session 7: Supreme Court Majority and Dissenting Opinions

Materials

• Overhead projector or board
• Internet access

Instructional Activities

1. Review content from previous sessions.
   
   
2. Allow students to search for cases that pertain to the topics of affirmative action and capital punishment. Students may use the following Web site to help them with their research: <http://supcourt.ntis.gov/>
   
   
3. Instruct students to find two cases related to each topic and determine the actual complaint involved in each case (give details). Have students report the Supreme Court ruling and identify any concurring and dissenting opinions.
   
   
4. If students find concurring or dissenting opinions, have them explain the rationale for those opinions.