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iCivics Curriculum Unit

Landmark Library

This library of mini-lessons targets a variety of landmark cases from the United States Supreme Court. Each mini-lesson includes a one-page reading and one page of activities. The mini-lessons are designed for students to complete independently without the need for teacher direction. However, they also make great teacher-directed lessons and class discussion-starters. 


Not sure which cases you want to use? Start by reviewing our Meet the Supremes Teacher’s Guide. It provides case summaries, teaching suggestions, and a crosswalk of the themes, laws, and amendments each case addresses. If you want to assign a Supreme Court case as a research project, use our Research Roadmap graphic organizer to guide students through the process.

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  • Lesson Plan

    Texas v. Johnson (1989)

    This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that burning the American flag is a form of political speech protected by the First Amendment. Students learn about the First Amendment freedom of speech and the principle that “the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.” They then learn about the dissenting view by distinguishing between arguments from the Court’s majority opinion and the dissent.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

    This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that it was constitutional to keep Black and White people segregated as long as the accommodations for each race were “equal.”  Students learn about the concept of “separate but equal,” the reasons the Court found the doctrine acceptable, and the fact that the doctrine was not abolished until the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 
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  • Lesson Plan

    U.S. v. Nixon (1974)

    This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that then-sitting President Nixon had to turn over some recordings of his presidential communications to a court of law. Students learn about the Watergate break-in, the president’s privilege of confidentiality, and the supremacy of the Constitution even over the President of the United States.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

    This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that prohibited a suspect’s statements from being used as evidence unless the suspect has been advised of his or her rights to remain silent. Students learn about the 5th Amendment right against coerced confessions and the 6th Amendment right to a lawyer, and how the right to a lawyer is essential to guarantee the right to silence. They analyze the “Miranda warning” and consider the principle that justice must not be obtained improperly.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Korematsu v. United States (1944)

    This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that determined the government acted constitutionally when it detained people of Japanese ancestry inside internment camps during World War II. Students learn what internment camps were, the background behind the government’s decision to detain those of Japanese ancestry, and the reasons the government upheld that decision. They also learn how the issue has re-emerged with regard to those of Middle Eastern descent during the ongoing fight against terrorism. Finally, students learn about the restitution and national apology…
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  • Lesson Plan

    Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

    This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that gave defendants in state criminal courts the right to a lawyer. Students learn about the 6th Amendment right to a lawyer, why the right is important, and how the right led to the existence of public defenders. Students then identify other cases in which the Supreme Court extended important rights of the accused to the state level.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

    This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that interpreted the Commerce and Supremacy Clauses of the U.S. Constitution and affirmed the federal government’s superiority with regard to its enumerated powers. Students learn about the dispute between Gibbons and Ogden, the meaning of the Commerce and Supremacy clauses, and who wins when state and federal powers collide.
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  • Lesson Plan

    In re Gault (1967)

    This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that said juvenile offenders have a right to due process. Students learn about 14th Amendment due process, fairness, and the specific rights afforded juveniles in the justice system.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

    This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that overturned “separate but equal” in public schools. Students learn about segregation and “equality under the law,” and they use what they learned to craft compound sentences following a structured format. 
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See how it all fits together!

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