10 Supreme Court Cases Every Teen Should Know
Directions: For your group’s assigned source you must complete the following…
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Create a simple word cluster that emphasizes at least 6 key points of the case.
Identify the conflict in the case in 1 complete sentence.
Explain the outcome of the case in 1 complete sentence.
Do you agree or disagree with the court’s decision in the case (2-3 sentences)? Must explain why or why not.
Sum up the case in 5 words or less.

EXAMPLE using the Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District (1969)
1. Graphic Organizer
Protesting
the Vietnam
War
Kids wear
armbands to
school
Parents sued
the school
district
Tinker
Case
Armbands
caused
discussion
but no
disorder
Supreme
Court said
students and
teachers do
not shed
rights at
school
School's
need to keep
order
2. Conflict: The students were suspended from school for wearing black armbands in protest of the
Vietnam War.
3. Outcome: The Supreme Court declared that students and teachers do not shed their free speech rights
when they enter school, but they cannot disrupt school activities.
4. My Opinion: I agree that students and teachers should have free speech rights at school as long as they
do not disrupt the educational process. However, if a school wants to make strict rules that limit free
speech I think students and teachers should be forced to follow them.
5. 5 words or less: “Yes to Armbands!”
We will be presenting the cases in class.
All students are responsible for writing the 5 words or less of each case.
New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985)
Ingraham v. Wright (1977)
Santa Fe Independent School District v. Jane Doe (2000)
Kent v. United States (1966)
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988)
Vernonia School District v. Acton (1995)
West Side Community Schools v. Mergens (1990)
Grutter v. Bollinger (2003)
DeShaney v. Winnebago County Social Services (1989)