PROJECT: SUPREME COURT
The Supreme Court holds the power to interpret the laws that change the fabric of our daily lives. The practices of the federal government are called into question when the highest court in our country rules on the cases presented before them. Past rulings have struck down the practice of racial segregation in public schools, defined free speech, and upheld child labor laws. The Court's decisions impact our rights as citizens and cover topics concerning abortion, free speech, racial quotas, reading material, and illegal searches. The Supreme Court's interpretation of federal laws leads to the practical application and enforcement of those laws.

Every case heard by the Supreme Court is an argument. In the end, the Supreme Court decides which side of the argument is correct. Their claim is called the Opinion of the Court. However, a minority of Supreme Court justices might disagree with the opinion of the court or its impact on federal law. Their counter claim is called the Dissenting Opinion. Not every split ruling will result in a published Dissenting Opinion, but many do. Although only some cases will publish a Dissenting Opinion, all cases will result in an Opinion of the Court.

Researching and summarizing can help clarify complicated topics like the oral arguments presented to the Supreme Court. Writing a summary paper can organize data and educate you as well as your reader. Because every citizen is ultimately impacted by the Opinions of the Court, summary papers are powerful tools that make complicated arguments easier to comprehend.