An analysis is made of the voting record of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on cases related to education and the impact of these votes. The decisions of the Supreme Court during the 1981-82 term were classified under one of seven different headings: (1) religion and the schools; (2) freedom of expression; (3) due process of law; (4) racial…

Serious constitutional problems arise when the contempt power of judges clashes with other compelling interests such as those of the First Amendment. The "collateral bar" rule--which requires that court orders, even those later determined to be unconstitutional, must be complied with until amended or vacated--in effect, calls for…

Evaluates the Supreme Court's decisions relating to education during the past few years and the effect that the retirement of Justice Lewis Powell will have on the balance of the Supreme Court. Discusses nominee Robert Bork and his possible effect if he becomes a member of the Supreme Court. (MD)

A study analyzed U.S. Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell's court opinions on First Amendment issues that affect the daily work of journalists. The results showed that he preferred compromises, guidelines, and tests to either/or solutions. Because Powell sought to balance all interests, he developed no firm theoretical position on the First…

In "Kiryas Joel," a sharply divided Supreme Court ruled that a New York law establishing a separate school district for a group of Orthodox Hasidic Jews was unconstitutional. Outlines the unusual facts in "Kiryas Joel" and summarizes Justice Souter's opinion of the Court, Justice Scalia's detailed dissent, and the four diverse…

Since 1975, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act has been challenged and taken to the Supreme Court six times. Reviews the Court's rulings on the act and notes the alliances and grouping patterns of the opinions, as well as the changing nature of the Court's opinions of the act. (MLF)

A discussion guide, one in a series on constitutional reform issues developed by The Jefferson Foundation as a part of The Jefferson Meeting on the Constitution project, examines proposals to establish terms of office for the Federal judiciary. The first section discusses the historical background of the Federal judiciary including the issues of…

Contends that, although religious freedom is a key feature of U.S. democracy, it has had a relatively short and modern history. Discusses the issues, court opinions, and historical significance of the 1940 "Minersville School District v. Gobitis" U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding Jehovah's Witnesses and the Pledge of Allegiance to…

Offers an analysis of the legal, court, and regulatory work of the Reagan and, to some extent, the Bush administrations on the issues of civil rights and affirmative action. Argues that these administrations worked to shift the views of the high court and mounted an offensive against affirmative action. (JB)

This teaching guide is designed to accompany and enhance a two-part Public Broadcasting System video documentary about the U.S. Supreme Court's history, legal processes, and activities. The purpose of this series is to examine the institution that for 200 years has been the principal custodian of the U.S. Constitution. A background essay, written…