United States Government: Democracy in Action

Chapter 12: Supreme Court Decision Making

Student Web Activity

Introduction
The Framers of the Constitution outlawed illegal searches and seizures with the Fourth Amendment. The Supreme Court upholds rulings that apply to that amendment, although the definition of "private property" has been interpreted in various ways. In this activity, you will learn how the Court shapes public policy with its interpretations of the law.

Destination Title: Oyez: U.S. Supreme Court Media

Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for Tips.

Directions
• Read the information on the screen.
• Scroll over the photos of the justices to see how each voted.
• Then click on "Written Opinion" under the heading "Case Media" near the top of the screen. Read the opinion, taking notes as you do.
• Use the back arrow and then click on "Oral Argument" near the top of the screen.
• Listen to the oral arguments of the case.

Use the information you found to answer the following questions.

1
How did the case Katz v. United States get to the Supreme Court?
2
What question did the Supreme Court face in taking this case?
3
Summarize Justice Stewart's majority opinion.
4
Which two cases did the Katz ruling overturn?
5
What was your general impression of the oral arguments in this case?
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