The Case:  Renee B. v. Agency for Health Care

        Administration (AHCA)

Lesson Four: Observing Oral Argument

 

Learning Objectives:

Based on the oral argument broadcast (or videotape) and the background materials about oral argument, the student will identify the characteristics of effective oral argument.

 

Suggested Learning Activities:  

1.  Assign students to make notes of the major points presented by each side.  They should also note the strengths and weaknesses of each side's oral argument.  Students should take a position as to which side they think was the most effective and support their position with specific examples from the oral argument.

2.  Assign students to make note of any "friendly" or "hostile" questions from the justices.  Students should choose one of the justices and predict which way they think he or she will vote based upon the questions he asked.  Students should support their position with specific examples from oral argument.
 

Note:

If you are unfamiliar with any of the words in this lesson, please refer to the glossary.

To access any case from the United States Supreme Court go to: http://www.romingerlegal.com/supreme.htm

To access any case from the Florida Supreme Court decided since September 1995 go to: http://www.law.ufl.edu/opinions/supreme/index.shtml

 

Sunshine State Standards: Social Studies, 1996

SS.C.1: The student understands the structure, functions, and purposes of government and how the principles and values of American Democracy are reflected in American constitutional government.  (Also SS.C.1.4.3, SS.C.1.4.3.b)

SS.C.2: The student understands the role of the citizen in American democracy.  (Also SS.C.2.3.1, SS.C.2.4.3)

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