Supreme Court cases are often hard to wrap our heads around. The use of legal jargon makes it hard for the public to figure out not only the basic details of a case but also the stakes of issue and the impact the decision will have on life in the US. With a bit of research, critical thinking and careful wording the details can be made clear. No one is better at this than NPR’s Nina Totenberg. In just a few minutes she can summarize a case, it’s specific details, legal stakes, arguments from both sides and the implications it will likely have. Now that you’ve listened to a couple of her radio segments it’s time to try to make your own.
Tasks
Pretend Nina is on vacation and you’ve been tasked with filing a report on the SCOTUS case, Chiafalo v. Washington in her absence. You’ll need to prepare a 3-5 minute radio spot, just like she would. To prepare your story:
- Head to here for information and resources on the case (Links to an external site.)
- Listen to the oral arguments (1 hour and 15 minutes)
- Read Justice Kagan’s Opinion in the case (Links to an external site.)
- Record a 3-5 radio news segment explaining the case
- See the criteria for success below for what to include in your segment
- If you’re having trouble figuring out to record your voice and upload it you can submit a written story instead. It should be between 300 and 500 words.
Criteria for Success
- Present the basic facts of the case: who, what, when, where, why, etc.
- Explain the specific constitutional and legal issues at stake.
- Give a brief overview of the arguments from both sides
- Explain the wider implications of the decision on US society
- Explain the Court’s decision and the reasons they gave for the ruling
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