About the Course
Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes stated that the law is both a mirror and a motor for society. Landmark cases frequently have an impact well beyond the courtroom, reflecting deeper truths about America and driving both legal and social thinking in new directions. But what does it mean when the Supreme Court changes direction and abandons its own precedent? Historical cases like Marbury v. Madison, Lochner v. New York, Plessy v. Ferguson, Brown v. Board of Education, and more recent cases like Roe v. Wade and Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Clinic, Obergefell v. Hodges, Chevron v. NRDC, Nixon v. Fitzgerald and Trump v. United States show a court and country grappling with changing values and the impact these changes have on people's lives. This history course examines cases related to civil rights, due process, and the power and limit of the government within their historical, political, and social contexts. You and your classmates will develop your close-reading and persuasive-writing skills by engaging in debates, simulations, group projects, and individual research, and learn to analyze and critique the most important legal decisions in America, from the ratification of the Constitution to today.
Typical Class Size: 16-18
Learning Objectives
- Explain the important elements and ideas embedded in the founding documents of the U.S.
- Construct accurate arguments with evidence to support their conclusions about U.S. history or law
- Evaluate the impact of key events or topics on U.S. history and legal thinking
- Assess the role of race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, socioeconomic status or other relevant identities in shaping access to, and protection by, the legal system throughout U.S. history
- Research historical and legal topics using primary and secondary resources
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Dickinson College
Carlisle, PA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Filling up fast! 3 spots left
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
American Legal History: Cases and Materials, Fifth Edition, by Hall, Finkelman, and Ely
A People's History of the Supreme Court, Revised Edtion, by Irons Publisher
UC-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 8, 2026
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
American Legal History: Cases and Materials, Fifth Edition, by Hall, Finkelman, and Ely
A People's History of the Supreme Court, Revised Edtion, by Irons Publisher
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid