Political Science/History 426: American Constitutional Law Dr. Crook; Fall 2021 Supreme Court Issue Case Study Research Paper – Grading Rubric Name:______________________Grade:_____/100 points Title Page: Title (Be creative!); Presented by: (Your name); Psci/Hist 426: American Constitutional Law; Presented to: Dr. Crook; Date I. Introduction: Thesis Statement A thesis statement regarding how the various decisions through recent decades has “moved” the Court on the ideological spectrum regarding your chosen political issue. (See Baum, Chapter 6) II. Why Hear These Cases: A thorough analysis of the reasons for the Court to hear this particular topic and these particular cases. (see Baum, Chapter 2) Were any “amicus curiae” filed? If so, explain their importance. III. Key Legal Arguments: Identify the Constitutional issue before the Court in each case and how both sides “framed” the question for each case. IV. Opinions Rendered: Examine and discuss all opinions of each case. Include a quote from each of the Opinion of the Court for each case. Include a quote or summation from each Concurring Opinion, if applicable. Include a quote or summation from each Dissenting Opinion, if applicable. V. Public Reaction: Examine and discuss the public’s reaction to each of the Supreme Court rulings regarding this issue. VI. Supreme Court Justice Impact: Explain how a Justice of focus (See Bibliography below regarding a book about/by a Supreme Court Justice) voted on these various cases, where applicable. Explain their impact on this issue. VI. Conclusion (refer to thesis statement); How did these various judicial decisions move the Court on the ideological spectrum? Where do you see this issue going forward in the next 10-20 years? _____________________________________________________________________________ □ Include headings as noted on outline above Must include a minimum of 3-5 U.S. Supreme Court decisions Must have a minimum of 3 cases not covered in the class assignments Bibliography with both primary and secondary sources Minimum of 5 newspaper/news magazine articles from the time of the various court cases Minimum of one book written by or about a Supreme Court Justice who participated in key judicial decisions regarding your issue Must be a professional presentation of the information Deductions: Late ＝ ½ letter grade per calendar day – Due December 5, 2021
