1. Getting Started

First Things First - Assignment Requirements

Before you begin work on any research project, examine the assignment closely for any requirements.

Q. How do you cite sources?

You will cite your sources using Bluebook Format and APA format.

Q. What is due?

A PowerPoint with the summary of your research on your case with 15-20 slides.

Q. When is it due?

How long do you have to work on this project? Is there one due date for everything or are there multiple due dates for different parts of the assignment? Plan out your time, so you don't get stuck doing all the work at the last minute. Plan extra time in case you have problems or get stuck.

Q. What other requirements should you make note of?

Make note of any other requirements on the assignment sheet, and ask your instructor for clarification on any parts you're not sure about.

Selecting a Court Case

The first thing you need to do before you begin is to select a court case that you're going to write about. Consider the following:

Q. Do you have a choice?

Review your assignment - are you allowed to choose a court case or does your instructor assign you one?

Q. Do you have an interest?

If you have a choice on what case you can write about, consider which one you find the most interesting. Browse multiple cases before you select one. Which case do you think would be the easiest to write about? Which case would you have the most to say about?

Q. Are there sources?

Before you commit to a case, you'll want to make sure there are enough outside sources on the case. Do some searching in the library's databases to make sure there are sources, and Ask-A-Librarian to double-check if you're not sure there are enough sources for a trial you're really interested in.

List of Court Cases

Marbury v. Madison
Miranda v. Arizona
Gideon v. Wainwright
Roper v. Simmons
Terry v. Ohio
Furman v. Georgia
Gregg v. Georgia
Strickland v. Washington