EJRP 2015/Outline Template/Lehman/Roberts/Lee
Thesis Three Fold Structure:
Your thesis guides your writing. Anything addressed in the thesis statement must be developed into a section of your paper. So create a threefold section for your thesis that 1)acknowledges the possible controversy of the decision AND/ OR explains the constitutional law that is
relevant to your case 2)clearly evaluates the Supreme Court decision and 3)applies the decision and underlying principles to cases and issues
facing today’s society.
1) _____________________________________________________,
2)______________________________________________________________________________________,3____________________________
________________________________________
Ex. Thesis: While it is true that at times of national peril, the government might exercise greater power against individuals in order to protect
national security, the 1944 Supreme Court decision of Korematsu v. United States that interned Japanese Americans was an egregious violation
of constitutional principles and one that should be remembered today when considering cases involving national security and the lives of
foreign-born citizens.
I. Explanation of Constitutional law that relates to your case
A. Provide general principles
1. identify and describe the amendment or law that pertains to your case
2. identify the key challenges and concerns facing any court interpreting these laws
B. Introduce your case
1. provide brief overview of the case
2. identify the significance of the case which will lead to your thesis
(THESIS)
II. Provide relevant background on your case
A. Describe the events that led to an initial trial
1. identify circumstances and people involved
2. explain the findings of the original court/agency
B. Describe the process that led to the Supreme Court’s certiori (granted review)
1. explain the later trials/reversals and findings that showed societal division
2. identify the request for Supreme Court involvement
III. Explain the Supreme Court Case and Decision
A. Summarize the Supreme Court Case
1. provide basic facts of the case
2. identify the key Justices and the amendments considered
B. Explain the decision
1. summarization of the majority report
2. consideration of the minority report (OR more explanation of majority, if unanimous)
IV. Analyze society’s reactions to the decision
A. Describe events and statements made immediately following the decision
1. Note any protest, praise made in general populace
2. Note any governmental or other official reaction to the decision
B. Consider later evaluations and analysis made of the case
1. Interpret any relevant analysis of decision made by legal scholars that supports your thesis
2. Use an evaluation of the case to your discussion of legacy and/or challenges
V. Consider the lasting effects of this case and decision
A. Describe the changes and protections afforded by your case
1. provide evidence of later related cases
2. provide evidence of changes seen in society as through statistics, and facts related to the freedoms protected
by your case.
B. Apply the outcome of your case to an unresolved recent case or issue facing society today
1. explain the similarities between the case and your example
2. consider the actions taken so far on behalf or against the principles of your case
3. apply the logic behind your thesis to this example
C. Apply the outcome of your case to another case or issue facing society now, or in the near future
1. explain the similarities between the case and your example
2. consider the actions taken so far on behalf or against the principles of your case
3. apply the logic behind your thesis to this example
VI. Evaluate finally the work and legacy of your case
A. State what we have gained/failed to gain
1. draw comparison to previous society
2. consider implications for the future
3. offer your own reflection of the case’s importance in American history.