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 unit’s big question — and it fits some cases better than others. Tinker, T.L.O., Payton, and Mahanoy are genuine rights-versus-order fights. Kennedy is two religion clauses colliding. Brown is equal protection. Arizona is federal versus state power. Use this question when it fits, and use each case’s own constitutional question when it does not.
Start here
Assigned a case? Open it below, then follow this path. Argue as if the Supreme Court has not decided yet — hide the holding until after your debate.
The cases
Each card shows the amendment, the question you will argue, and the two sides. Pick a case — then pick a side.
Student speech
Tinker v. Des Moines
May a public school ban silent political armbands because officials fear disruption?
Students vs. Des Moines schools
Mahanoy v. B.L.
May a school punish a student for a vulgar weekend Snapchat about cheer and school?
Mahanoy schools vs. B.L. (the student)
Search, privacy, and the home
New Jersey v. T.L.O.
May a school official search a student’s purse without a warrant?
New Jersey (the State) vs. T.L.O. (the student)
Payton v. New York
May police enter a home to make a routine felony arrest without a warrant?
Payton (the accused) vs. New York (the State)
Religion in public schools
Kennedy v. Bremerton
May a public school stop a coach from praying at midfield after games?
Coach Kennedy vs. Bremerton schools
Equal protection
Brown v. Board of Education
May a state require racially separate public schools if it claims the buildings are equal?
Brown family vs. Topeka school board
Federalism — who writes the rules?
Arizona v. United States
May a state add its own immigration crimes and police duties when Congress already occupies that field?
Arizona (the State) vs. United States
Reading level
This choice follows you to case pages, Journeys, and Resources. Simplified is the same argument in shorter sentences — not a different story.
Simplified
Same facts and tests. Shorter sentences.
Standard
Fuller wording. Same argument.