The Judicial Branch
articipating IN GOVERNMENT
Informing the Citizens Find out the current cases before the Supreme Court that may be controversial. Watch for information in periodicals and newspapers on the issues in these cases. Write a summary of one of these issues and circulate it among people you know to find out what decision they believe the Court should make. Discuss your findings with the class.
302 ElectronicElectronic FieldField TripTrip The Supreme Court Take a virtual tour of the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., and see how the judicial branch works. Glencoe’s Democracy in Action Video Program The Supreme Court build- ing is a nearly self-sufficient, structured community. The Democracy in Action video program “The Supreme Court,” referenced below, describes the Supreme Court’s procedures and the administrative support other workers provide for the nine justices. As you view the video program, try to identify any legal terms you recognize The marble figure or any words that have a The Guardian special meaning in a court of law. stands outside the Supreme Also available in videodisc format. Court building. View the videodisc by scanning the barcode or by entering the chapter number on your keypad and pressing Search. Disc 2, Side 1, Chapter 4
Hands-On Activity Use library or Internet resources to research the proce- dures a case must follow to be heard by the United States Supreme Court. Be sure to include every level of court that hears the case and each appeal prior to the Supreme Court. Use a word processor to create an organizational chart showing the steps in this process with a brief expla- nation of each one.