Students Sound Off

Topics on the Table

Your turn to speak out on important topics.

Issue 4:

In September 2006, Congress passed the Military Commissions Act (MCA) which included provisions stripping non-citizens detained by the executive branch as “enemy combatants” of their right to file a habeas corpus petition.  Supporters of this law argue that the restriction of this right is essential to the security of our nation; critics have decried the action as unconstitutional and un-American. On December 5 the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the Boumediene case, challenging the constitutionality of the MCA’s habeas-stripping provision. What do you think is the strongest argument in defense or support of the MCA?
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Issue 3:

If school administrators are permitted to outlaw any speech they deem harmful to their students or to the school’s message, what other types of speech could be in jeopardy?
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Issue 2: 

If a majority of the justices on the U.S. Supreme Court insist on ignoring the Congressional intent behind a statute, how can the legislative branch ensure that statutes are interpreted as they are meant?
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Issue 1:

It's been one full court session since the confirmation of the new Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Samuel Alito. In your opinion, what has been the impact of their ascension to the high Court?
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