Case Dismissed: A Teenager's Guide to the Supreme Court

In this episode, I examine the case that struck down segregation in public schools: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. Unfortunately - due to the holiday week and college breaks - I do not have a guest joining me this week (yes, and for such a critical case!). On the bright side, it's a quick episode! Enjoy!

In this episode, I examine the case that placed the first restrictions on the First Amendment - more specifically, the freedom of speech: Schenck v. United States. I talk with Stewart Harris, Ph.D., of Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee, about the Schenck precedent, the First Amendment -and how its limits get complicated (i.e., Trump, January 6) - and how the Court views speech today. Professor Harris also had a podcast, which ran for ten years, ceasing during the pandemic. Check it out here!

In this episode, I examine the case that began to define and expand Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause: Gibbons v. Ogden. I talk with Lauren C. Bell, Ph.D., of the Political Science Department at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, about the expansive Commerce Clause, what the United States would look like today without the Gibbons precedent, and how the actions of the Marshall Court "opened the door" for the expansive powers of the federal government.

In this episode, I examine the case that established what we know today as the “administrative state,” the administration and regulation of federal and state government agencies: McCulloch v. Maryland. I talk with Kermit Roosevelt, Ph.D., about the importance of the precedent, Chief Justice Marshall's "change" in philosophy compared to Marbury, and learn why Professor Roosevelt "hates Marbury."

In this episode, I examine the case that started it all - Marbury v. Madison - establishing the Court's power of judicial review. I talk with Kyle Kopko, Ph.D., about the importance of the case, its precedent, the actions of Chief Justice John Marshall and how they relate to the nine justices on the bench today.

The United States Supreme Court has preserved, challenged, and sought to destroy American democracy throughout its lifetime. From the cases that started it all to controversial justices and fomented rulings, this podcast dives deep into the Court's many decisions - all through the eyes of a high-schooler. Sit back, relax - well, maybe get your notebook - and enjoy taking a historical tour through the United States' highest court.