Unit Three Technology Project “J” Files

An overview:

This lesson allows you to combine analytical skills with technology as you analyze a Supreme Court era and find one member who follows a philosophy of judicial activism and one who follows a philosophy of judicial restraint. After identifying and offering support for a representative of each philosophy, you will gather biographical information on each of those members. Then your group will create a PowerPoint or iMovie presentation to convey this information. Your PowerPoint or iMovie should include a minimum of 15 slides.

At the end of this project you should be able to:  Describe how the federal judiciary shapes public policy  Explain how judicial activism and judicial restraint affect Supreme Court decisions  Develop a PowerPoint or iMovie presentation using information from the internet.

Each group will be assigned one of the following eras of the Supreme Court.: Warren Court (1953-1969) Burger Court (1969-1986) Rehnquist Court (1986-2005) Roberts Court (2005-present)

You will need to complete the following tasks: 1. As a group, create a clear and concise definition of judicial activism and judicial restraint. This will be used to help you make your “J” files decisions and will be used in your PowerPoint or iMovie.

2. Research the Supreme Court Era. You may use the following internet addresses to gather information about the Supreme Court era. You may also do your own search using the internet. This is not an exhausted list!  http://supct.law.cornell.edu/supct/justices/fullcourt.html  http://www.oyez.org/cases/  http://www.supremecourthistory.org/

3. Investigate the opinions of members of the current court until you have identified one who follows judicial activism, and one who follows judicial restraint. This will be done by analyzing at least TWO opinions written by the selected justice. You will need to defend your choice with quotations from opinions over a two year span.

4. Once your group has identified two justices, gather the following background information on each justice:  length of service  gender and race  religion  geographic region (hometown)  legal training

5. After gathering and combining group information, create a PowerPoint or iMovie presentation. Specific slides should include but are not limited to:  title  bibliography  definition of judicial activism  definition of judicial restraint  pictures of justices  support of choices  biographical information Evaluation of Project: Your presentation will be evaluated on the following:

Design Quality Excellent graphic and sound throughout the presentation. Frames are readable, appropriate. Analysis Ideas and explanations are appropriate and well developed. Critical thinking skills are evident in the processing and communication of information. Content Content rich, numerous references to required criteria. Presentation is informative and goes beyond surface information. Organization Presentation demonstrates logical sequencing of ideas.

Use of Sources Uses a broad range of sources to gather and analyze required information. Sources are appropriate and valid.

This project is due NO LATER THAN: ______and will not be accepted past this due date!