Case Dismissed: A Teenager's Guide to the Supreme Court

For the final required SCOTUS case for the AP U.S. Government and Politics course, I examine the case that applied the Second Amendment to the states - more specifically, the individual right to bear arms: McDonald v. Chicago.

In this episode, I examine the controversial case that paved the way for corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections: Citizens United v. FEC.

In this episode, I examine the case that further established - limited, rather - the powers of Congress under the Commerce Clause: United States v. Lopez. It is also my favorite required SCOTUS case for the A.P. Government course!

In this episode, I examine the case that opined on race being a factor in redistricting: Shaw v. Reno.

In this episode, I examine the case that established a woman’s right to choose: Roe v. Wade.

In this episode, I examine the case that allowed parents to educate their children outside of school on the basis of free exercise: Wisconsin v. Yoder.

In this episode, I examine the case that further established the "heavy presumption" against prior restraint, or government suppression of speech before the fact: New York Times Co. v. United States.

In this episode, I examine the case that guaranteed the First Amendment protections for students did not end at the school gates: Tinker v. Des Moines. 

In this episode, I examine the case that extended the Sixth Amendment's right to counsel to state courts: Gideon v. Wainwright. Enjoy!

In this episode, I examine the case that established the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction over redistricting disputes: Baker v. Carr. In the coming weeks, keep an eye out for Shaw v. Reno, 1993, a case that expanded upon the Baker precedent! Enjoy, everyone, and stay healthy!  Note: in an effort to keep episodes shorter and beat the AP exam season - both of which impact my classmates - I am putting a halt to inviting guests until I finish uploading all 15 required SCOTUS cases for the AP Government course. After that, though, I will continue having guests talk about past Supreme Court cases not included in the AP Government curriculum and current Court cases, such as Carson v. Makin, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, and more - and all in the heat of the waiting of the Court's opinions!

In this episode, I examine the case that defined religion in public schools: Engel v. Vitale. I once again do not have a guest joining me, unfortunately, so this is - again - a shorter episode, but you can view a current case related to the Religious Clauses of the First Amendment here: Carson v. Makin. It is a very interesting as well as a complicated matter. Still, with the knowledge of the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses you will gain in this episode, you'll be able to understand it!

In this episode, I examine the case that struck down segregation in public schools: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. Unfortunately - due to the holiday week and college breaks - I do not have a guest joining me this week (yes, and for such a critical case!). On the bright side, it's a quick episode! Enjoy!

In this episode, I examine the case that placed the first restrictions on the First Amendment - more specifically, the freedom of speech: Schenck v. United States. I talk with Stewart Harris, Ph.D., of Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee, about the Schenck precedent, the First Amendment -and how its limits get complicated (i.e., Trump, January 6) - and how the Court views speech today. Professor Harris also had a podcast, which ran for ten years, ceasing during the pandemic. Check it out here!

In this episode, I examine the case that began to define and expand Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause: Gibbons v. Ogden. I talk with Lauren C. Bell, Ph.D., of the Political Science Department at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, about the expansive Commerce Clause, what the United States would look like today without the Gibbons precedent, and how the actions of the Marshall Court "opened the door" for the expansive powers of the federal government.

In this episode, I examine the case that established what we know today as the “administrative state,” the administration and regulation of federal and state government agencies: McCulloch v. Maryland. I talk with Kermit Roosevelt, Ph.D., about the importance of the precedent, Chief Justice Marshall's "change" in philosophy compared to Marbury, and learn why Professor Roosevelt "hates Marbury."

In this episode, I examine the case that started it all - Marbury v. Madison - establishing the Court's power of judicial review. I talk with Kyle Kopko, Ph.D., about the importance of the case, its precedent, the actions of Chief Justice John Marshall and how they relate to the nine justices on the bench today.

The United States Supreme Court has preserved, challenged, and sought to destroy American democracy throughout its lifetime. From the cases that started it all to controversial justices and fomented rulings, this podcast dives deep into the Court's many decisions - all through the eyes of a high-schooler. Sit back, relax - well, maybe get your notebook - and enjoy taking a historical tour through the United States' highest court.