Scholastic
Scholastic: John Doe in a u.s. Court
This site from Scholastic provides a well-written essay describes the federal court system and its jurisdiction including the '7 steps in justice.'
US National Archives
Our Documents: 100 Milestone Documents: Gibbons v. Ogden(1824)
Use this site to learn all about this Supreme Court decision that dealt with interstate commerce. View an image of the original document and read the complete text.
US National Archives
Our Documents: The Federal Judiciary Act
An online resource on the Federal Judiciary Act that provides an explanation of the Act, an image of the document itself, and the text.
iCivics
I Civics: Court Quest
What a great way to learn about the different layers of the court system in the United States. This highly interactive game allows the player to be the guide in navigating through the various courts. By playing this game, the student...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: The Lost Art of Democratic Debate
Democracy thrives on civil debate, but we're shamefully out of practice. Watch this fun refresher, with TEDsters sparring over a recent Supreme Court case (PGA Tour, Inc. v. Martin) whose outcome reveals the critical ingredient in...
National Cable Satellite Corporation
C Span Classroom: Interactive Supreme Court Timeline Case Study
In this interactive lesson plan, students will identify important Supreme Court cases, evaluate their decisions, explain the precedents they established, and analyze their importance to our society today.
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Alito Appearance Marks Shift in Court
An interesting discussion on Justice Samuel Alito's first day and what his presence on the Supreme Court will mean. Transcript, audio, video, and a link to analysis of the arguments he heard on his first day are included.
PBS
Pbs News Hour: John Roberts' First Day
A very telling report of Chief Justice John Roberts' first day in the Supreme Court. Transcript, audio, and video are available of this interesting report.
PBS
Pbs News Hour: A New Chief Justice
From September, 2005, audio, video, and a transcript of a report on the confirmation of John Roberts. This is also linked to NewsHour's "The John Roberts Confirmation."
Other
Schs: Fdr and the Court Packing Controversy
A narrated slideshow detailing the problems Franklin Roosevelt ran up against with putting his New Deal plans into effect. The conservative justices on the Supreme Court determined that many of the reforms were unconstitutional. Find out...
Other
History of the Supreme Court: Timeline of the Justices
The Supreme Court Historical Society provides a timeline page on the history of the Supreme Court. All judges' names are hyperlinked and include a brief biography and picture. There are also links to more Supreme Court information.
Other
Janet Reno vs. American Civil Liberties Union
A complete transcript outlining the court case between Janet Reno, U.S. Attorney General, and the American Civil Liberties Union, in which the Communications Decency Act was declared unconstitutional.
Other
Project p.a.t.c.h.: Dred Scott v. Sandford
This resource presents the text of the case, Dred Scott, Plaintiff v. John F. Sandford, which was presented to the Supreme Court in December, 1856.
Other
Certiorari Practice: The Supreme Court's Shrinking Docket
Recent legislation has allowed the Supreme Court discretionary, rather than obligatory powers, in deciding which cases to decide. This in-depth and well-developed essay describes the process and criticizes the new system, while providing...
PBS
Pbs: How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens (Lesson Plan)
Objectives for this lesson include describing the structure and function of the Supreme Court, looking at important decisions, and discussing recent rulings and issues.
PBS
Pbs Newshour: Supreme Court Rules Against Gun Ban
The Second Amendment and the right for United States citizens to bear arms is an issue often contested throughout the United States today. A recent ruling by the US Supreme Court is another example of such issues. June 30, 2010
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Highlights of Supreme Court Nominees
From NewsHour's report of the nomination of John Roberts, a historic look at past and noteworthy U.S. Supreme Court nominees.
PBS
Pbs News Hour: The Confirmation Process
As part of NewsHour's "The John Roberts Confirmation" site, a chart that describes the confirmation process for the U.S. Supreme Court.
PBS
Pbs News Hour: The John Roberts Confirmation
Brilliant site that contains a plethora of resources related to John Roberts, the confirmation process, and Supreme Court. Find video and audio of his confirmation. Other resources include a biography and lesson plans.
US Department of State
America.gov: The Right to Legal Counsel: The Gideon v. Wainwright Decision
This article provides an overview of the right to legal representation for the poor and Chief Justice Black's opinion in the precedent-setting case.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Ben's Ab Cs
Each letter of this alphabet is linked to an important aspect of the U.S. Government, e.g. "A is for Armed Forces" has a link to the Air Force. Links are made to the Bill of Rights, symbols, branches of government and The Constitution....
US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Our American Government, 2000 Edition
A popular introductory guide for American citizens and those of other countries who seek a greater understanding of our heritage of democracy. The question-and-answer format covers a broad range of topics dealing with the legislative,...
New York Times
New York Times: Changes at the u.s. Supreme Court
An outstanding interactive graphic that allows you to explore many aspects of the Supreme Court. You may view historic cases and how specific justices voted, research the opinions, rulings and background of John Roberts, and delve into...
New York Times
New York Times: Supreme Court Landmark Cases
This site lists, with brief descriptions, major landmark decisions that have been made by the Supreme Court. Links to actual cases as well.