Discusses the U.S. public's fascination with the judicial system and high-profile court cases. Highlights several trials that have been deemed the "Trial of the 20th Century." Explains that there are certain dramatic and societal elements inherent in particular cases making them high profile, such as religion, racism, revenge, scandal, and fame.…

Discusses the implications and evolution of allowing live broadcast coverage of criminal trials. Claims that broadcast coverage has helped to demystify the judicial system acting as an educational medium. Considers the influence of the Courtroom Television Network (Court TV) that does live broadcasts of trials 24 hours a day. (CMK)

Describes the John Scopes case of 1925 in which he was tried and convicted for teaching evolution. Gives background on the two famous attorneys for the case: William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow. Explains that the case turned into a media sensation because of the profound issues and oratory skills of the attorneys. (CMK)

Summarizes the methods and outcomes of Operation Greylord, an undercover operation that investigated the corruption of the Chicago (Illinois) court system. Shows that judges, lawyers, and police are not above and beyond the law's reach and that there are people who will take risks to ensure the existence of justice. (CMK)

Discusses fictional media portrayals of crimefighting, such as Superman and Dick Tracy programs, that often constitute civil rights violations. Describes a learning activity that calls upon students to observe and log such portrayals and evaluate them critically. Suggests sources of program materials and lists other activities on the topic. (SG)

Assesses the media coverage of U.S. Supreme Court decisions by focusing on "Webster v. Reproductive Health Services." Expresses concern that deadline pressures force the media to respond to decisions too quickly, thus misrepresenting the legal impact of these decisions to the public. Considers ways of improving media coverage of the…

Summarizes three case studies concerning the first amendment that address: (1) whether a state-owned television station can exclude a candidate from a televised debate; (2) whether decency conditions placed on grant projects by the National Endowment of the Arts censors freedom of expression; and (3) the constitutionality of the Line Item Veto…

Provides a list of resources in a variety of forms: audiotapes, books, booklets, curricula, videos, and Web sites. Covers topics that range from famous or high-profile court cases to the effects the media has had on the different trials throughout the century. Gives abstracts for each entry and methods of locating the materials. (CMK)

Asks secondary students to compare the real Scopes trial to the fictionalized version presented in the movie "Inherit the Wind," with their textbook and Web site versions. Intends for students to learn about key facts, arguments, and outcomes of the trial and to understand significant individuals' impacts on the trial's events and…

Discusses a euthanasia incident in which a doctor claimed, in a letter to the "Journal of the American Medical Association," to have given a fatal dose of morphine to a dying cancer patient. Debates the ethical issues involved in the journal's decision to print the letter, withholding the author's name. (DB)

Outlines a role play that highlights the potential conflict between freedom of the press and the rights of defendants and victims. Students assume the roles of representative characters (police chief, newspaper editor) in a small town where a sensational murder has occurred. They also conduct a class discussion. (MJP)