Stanford OHS alums often cite the Constitutional Law final as a formative experience. Students start the year studying civil rights as they pertain to youth, separations of powers under the U.S. Constitution, and free speech under the First Amendment. Along the way, they learn to read case law and write case briefs. The spring shifts to extended study of a single legal controversy, one the students themselves have chosen from the U.S. Supreme Court’s current docket of cases. 

Having reviewed controlling laws, delved into the facts of the case and worked through the issues – both legal and social – they finish the year with oral argument before a panel of mock Justices from the Stanford OHS community, including instructors and staff, parents in the legal field and Legal-Studies alums who have returned as judges. 

As happens with real-world appellate advocacy, the judges demand answers of each student advocate, drawing out decisive lines of analysis.