Other
Landmark Cases: Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
A fantastic teacher resource site for helping students explore the main issues of the landmark case of Tinker v. Des Moines. It includes background summaries, excerpts of opinions, activities, and in-depth lessons.
Boston College
Boston College: Joseph Burstyn, Inc. V. Wilson (1952)
Full-text edition of the entire decision in the Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson case.
Boston College
Boston College: Dennis v. United States (1951)
Full syllabus and decision from the Dennis v. United States Supreme Court case.
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Vouchers, Tax Credits & Other Aid to Religious Schools
Important cases from Aguilar v. Felton to Everson v. Board of Education are reviewed. Discussion questions are included on this site.
Lectric Law Library
'Lectric Law Library: New York Times v. United States
The 1971 leaking of the Pentagon Papers to the New York Times led to a Supreme Court case in which the government took the newspaper to court over publishing classified information about Vietnam War policy.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: On Stage at the Kennedy Center: The 2001 Mark Twain Prize
This Teacher Resource from the Kennedy Center helps students examine where and how humorists derive the material presented to their audiences. Activities encourage students to analyze elements of humor and the style of entertainers, and...
George Washington University
Nsa: The Pentagon Papers: Secrets, Lies, and Audiotapes
This site offers an extensive history of the 1971 Pentagon Papers case. Features include transcripts of President Nixon's tapes, White House phone conversations, memoirs, and other primary resources.
Other
U.s. Diplomatic Mission to Germany: Media in the u.s.: Freedom of the Press
Extensive government web site focusing on Freedom of the Press in American history. Many links to video, podcasts, primary documents, text, and case studies are included.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Alien and Sedition Acts
A great description of the Alien and Sedition Acts, passed by the Federalist Congress in 1798. See how the Federalists tried to hang on to power by restricting voting privileges and infringing on free speech and freedom of the press.
Other
Student Press Law Center Legal Brief: Libel Law
Excellent site for students that need to know more about libel laws. Includes a definition of libel, a process to go by in order to avoid a lawsuit, and your defense options if you happen to be involved in a lawsuit.
Other
A Guide to Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier
This site has A Complete Guide to the Supreme Court Decision for this Supreme Court case. It can be downloaded as a PDF file. The article explains many different aspects of the case, including What the Decision Says, What the Decision...
Illinois Institute of Technology
Oyez.org: Oyez Directory
The OYEZ Directory offers hyperlinks to Supreme Court cases. Choose the topic you'd like to search under, like "Attorneys," or "Civil rights," for example.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: Understanding Media: The Inside Story
This unit highlights the integral role that the media plays in American politics to communicate between the leaders and the public. Offers video, readings, web resources, and activities.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Article Iii: Categories of Contempt
An in-depth look at the different types of contempt of court, in the United States legal system.
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Lesson Plan: Policing the Airways
This lesson plan looks at the current controversy of the FCC and making media outlets more accountable for what comes over their airways. In particular, the Super Bowl Halftime Show is discussed and looked at.
Boston College
Boston College: Schenck v. United States
Read the decision of this landmark Supreme Court decision involving the 1917 Espionage Act Schenck v. United States (1919).
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Griswold vs. Connecticut
This site contains in-depth information about the Griswold vs. Connecticut case, concerning the right to use contraception, and its impact.
Boston College
Boston College: Branzburg v. Hayes
Full decision from the Branzburg v. Hayes United States Supreme Court case.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Boston Public Schools Capstone Project
The (Boston Public Schools) Capstone Project is an opportunity for students to engage in rigorous project-based learning. It is an opportunity for our students to develop skills to be life, career, and college-ready in a culturally...
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: u.s. Supreme Court: Lynch v. Donnelly (1984)
The city of Pawtucket, R. I., annually erects a Christmas display in a park owned by a nonprofit organization and located in the heart of the city's shopping district. The display includes, in addition to such objects as a Santa Claus...
Other
United States Courts: Facts and Case Summary Texas v. Johnson
Facts and case summary for Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989). Flag burning constitutes symbolic speech that is protected by the First Amendment.
Alabama Humanities Foundation
Encyclopedia of Alabama: Naacp v. Alabama
An overview of the NAACP v. Alabama case, which charged Alabama with violating the First Amendment. The NAACP sued the state for not allowing the organization to exist within the state.
Other
The Nation: Copyright Monopolies
This magazine article discusses the 1998 Copyright Term Extension Act and its impact on society, public domain, the First Amendment, and monopolistic power in the USA. (Feb. 17, 2003)
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Regulation of Fighting Words and Hate Speech
Explore the constitutional conflict regarding the question of whether the first amendment limits the government's ability to regulate fighting words or hateful speech? This source contains background information and links to historical...