Greene v. River City: Multimedia Supreme Court Experience

Greene v. River City is a unique and dynamic resource for teaching middle school students about the judicial branch of our government. This simulated Supreme Court case examines claims initiated by a student group that their school district’s refusal to host school dances violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment. Using the facts from this single case, Greene v. River City provides students two opportunities to learn about and become engaged in our legal system, either as justices serving on the highest court or as participants, taking on all of the roles in a moot court.

• The Greene v. River City Interactive DVD gives an entire class the opportunity to serve as justices on a fictionalized Supreme Court Case. Students hear the facts of the case, watch the oral arguments and questions from the justices, deliberate with peers, and then decide on the constitutionality of the case.
• The Greene v. River City Moot Court includes all the materials needed to implement the case of Greene v. River City in the classroom. Students make preparations for the case and take on the roles of attorneys and justices. The materials include background materials, arguments, precedents, and instructions for conducting a moot court.
• Greene v. River City is a product of the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago (CRFC) with support from the Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association (YLS) and major funding provided by the GE Foundation. Activities in this program make the perfect lesson to complete each year on Constitution Day (September 17) or the first Monday in October when the Supreme Court of the United States begins its new term.

The handouts for this program are also available in Spanish.  They can be downloaded free of charge below.

Recommended for Grades (6-8)