How to Research Supreme Court Decisions

Supreme Court decisions shape our lives. Do you have fascination with the law? Concerned about activist judges? Are you interested in the Supreme Court decisions that will change the interpretations of our nation's laws. If you do, then the blog of the Supreme Court of the United States is meant for you.

Each posting covers a different aspect of cases before the court and provides in-depth commentary on deliberations and the behind the scenes drama of the Supreme Court. It also provides key insight into the thinking of the Supreme Court Justices.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An internet connection
• An interest in the proceedings of the highest Federal Court.

1. Log on to http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/. The blog is the product of the legal minds of a large law firm with expansive experience with the Supreme Court. The blog has several distinct areas. The main area is the daily entries that refer to the progress of individual cases before the court. A posting might take one aspect of a current case and then contrast it to similar cases presented to the court. The blog also explains how the eventual resolution of a case will affect our nation's laws.

2. The Multi-Media section includes a selection of Podcasts from high-profile lawyers offering commentary on Supreme Court actions. The podcasts are yet another way this blog helps deepens your understanding of the law. It's clear that the blog authors believe that the majority of visitors to the site are seeking to increase their knowledge of working with the United States Supreme Court, several podcasts cover the mechanics of presenting a case before the nine judges.

3. In a special news section, links connect you to news coverage of the Court in major medial outlets across the nation. It's interesting to compare how this blog presents the cases in comparison to the descriptions that are found in the mass media. You can also see how a media outlet's political views provide "spin" to the decisions of the Supreme Court Justices.

4. In the archives section you can find commentary from previous cases before the court. Since every case is built of previous decisions, these archives have special significance.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't worry, the blog is not filled with legal terminology, it's very readable. It's almost like a real-time Social Studies class.
• This does not replace actual legal counsel.

Resources

• SCOTUS Blog
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[speechteacher]

on 12/14/2008 I have a cousin who is starting law school. I will certainly pass this one on.

[ElectricianDave]

on 10/31/2008 Great Article and Great Blog!
5*s