Scholars analyze the United States judicial branch as it pertains to activism and restraint. They use research to define the roles the courts play while at the same time investigate current events to identify how the media covers those decisions. The investigation leads to open discussion of when the courts should set a new precedent, or keep silent and allow the law to take care of itself. 

Concepts

judicial review, the judicial branch, the judicial system

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Preview the lesson with a short video clip outlining the concept of judicial activism
• Review the lesson with an additional Crash Course video on judicial decisions 

Classroom Considerations

• Current event research requires online access or newspapers
• Serves as one installment of a series of mini-lessons covering the judicial branch
  

Pros

• Includes printable worksheets and materials for classroom use
• Gives an extension opportunity with research of the Fourteenth Amendment

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.2 RH.9-10.3 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.3