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United States Supreme Court
Case Worksheet
Instructions: Use this template (either in printed or digital form) to work through
the elements of the case in question in your own words. Be succinct but be thorough.
Grades will be based on accuracy, thoroughness, thoughtfulness and effort.
I. Title and date of case:
II. Basic Facts of the Case (what are the basic facts of the original case as it first appeared
in the legal system?)
III. Constitutional question (What makes this case into a constitutional issue? State it in
question form.)
IV. How did the case make it to the Supreme Court? (Describe or list the progress of the
case through the legal system, including by what route it came to the Supreme Court.)
V. Constitutional Arguments made to the Supreme Court (include the use of other cases
as legal precedent)
A. US Attorney
B. Complainant/Respondent
VI. Supreme Court’s Ruling (In whose favor did the Court rule? Unanimous, divided? )
VII. Discussion of the Court’s Opinion
A. Majority Opinion – What was the constitutional reasoning of the majority
opinion?
B. Dissenting Opinion (if applicable) – What was the constitutional reasoning of
the dissent opinion(s)?
C. Concurrences (if applicable) – What was the constitutional reasoning of the
concurring opinion(s)?
VIII. Lasting importance of the case in terms of constitutional interpretation and
lawmaking. (What precedent does this ruling set for the future? Has it been challenged
since? )
IX. Your response: Do you agree with the way that the justices interpreted the
Constitution? Explain why or why not, using evidence.