HONORS SUPREME COURT - CLASSROOM RULES AND CONTENT
Classroom Rules - These are general guidelines. They are not all encompassing, but as high
school students, I expect you to understand your parameters. No interruptions or disruptions. Be
in your seats when the bell rings. Remain seated until I dismiss class. No gum or candy. Keep
your area clean. Do not mark on the desks. Follow school rules, especially dress code.
Late work and absences - Follow the student handbook on make-up work. Late work will be
accepted, but points will be deducted for every day late. (See the bottom of the page for further
explanation.) Make-up tests will usually be administered in my room or the library, and you
need to make arrangements with me.
Hours - I am usually in my room or in the building around 7:10 and after school until 3:30. If
you need to see me, please leave me a note. During the spring I coach track so my time in the
classroom after school is limited. I will not sign papers for dismissal etc. unless I am at my
desk.
Content – A history of the Supreme Court and landmark cases
Text – No textbook but we will be using the Internet for research. The most common site used
will be.(www.oyez.org)
Class - Discussion/Group Work/Debates/Lecture/Videos/Speakers - This class is geared for
students who enjoy the study of history and law and can use higher level thinking skills. The
student will have extensive reading and writing assignments and the class will consist of mostly
discussion and debates.
Grading - 2 to 3 major test per grading period that are 50 to 60 percent of the grade. Test are
usually 5 major court cases in which the student must identify the facts of the case,
constitutional question and the conclusion of the court. There will be a number essay questions
each week. All essays SHOULD BE TYPED.
Course Outline:
Unit 1 – History of the Supreme Court
Unit 2 – Historical cases - Religion
Unit 3 – Speech, Press, Assembly - Obscenity
Unit 4 – Civil Liberties
Unit 5 – Civil Rights - Death Penalty - Privacy and Miscellaneous cases