The Driving Question

When, if ever, should the government be allowed to limit a person's constitutional rights in order to protect the community?

In other words: When should the government be able to take away someone's rights to keep other people safe?

This is the big question behind every case you'll study. The Constitution gives Americans certain rights, but sometimes those rights bump up against the safety or well-being of others. Each Supreme Court case explores where to draw that line. As you learn about these cases, think about how you would balance individual freedom with protecting the community.

Your Learning Path

1

Background Reading

Read the case background at your reading level

2

Argument Sorting

Sort legal arguments by which side they support

3

Debate Preparation

Rank arguments and prepare your position

4

Classroom Debate

Apply your understanding in structured debate

Featured Cases

1980

Payton v. New York

Fourth Amendment rights and warrant requirements for home arrests

Explore Case →
2012

Arizona v. United States

State vs. federal authority over immigration law

Explore Case →
1969

Tinker v. Des Moines

Student free speech rights in schools

Explore Case →
1954

Brown v. Board of Education

Constitutional challenge to school segregation

Explore Case →
2021

Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L.

Student social media speech off-campus

Explore Case →
2022

Kennedy v. Bremerton School District

School prayer and the Establishment Clause

Explore Case →
1985

New Jersey v. T.L.O.

Student search and seizure rights in schools

Explore Case →

Available Reading Levels

🔷

Simplified Level

Simplified language, easy navigation

🔶

Standard Level

Grade-appropriate, detailed content