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- Explain the significance of the Clarence Thomas nomination by
President Bush and the political implications that
resulted from the Anita Hill charges.
- Explain why Supreme Court nominees today undergo greater
scrutiny by the Senate compared to previous eras
when there was a clearer separation of nominations from
political disputes.
- Define and explain the importance of judicial review and
delineate how it has had some negative
consequences in American history (example: Dred Scott
case).
- Define, compare, and contrast the three theories of
constitutional interpretation--original intent, living
constitution, and plain meaning of the text.
- Define such important terms as precedent, opinion, legal
distinction, stare decisis, appeal, reversal, remedy,
statutory interpretation, brief, plenary, dissenting and
concurring opinions, remand, judicial activism,
restorationists, judicial restraint, writ of certiorari,
solicitor general, amicus curiae brief, and law clerk.
- Summarize how Supreme Court decisions are made, including
the decision-making process and the various voting
factions present on the current Supreme Court.
- Explain the organization of the federal and state court
systems.
- Review and explain the three checks on court power--constitutional amendment, statutory revision, and
nonimplementation.
- Explain how litigation qualifies as a political
strategy.
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