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This dynamic history and civics lesson explores the powerful role of the United States Supreme Court in shaping women’s rights over the past century. Students investigate how landmark legal cases both supported and restricted progress toward equality, while analyzing the wider social and political context of these decisions.

The lesson begins with a reflective “Do Now” that links back to the historical oppression of women during the witch trials, prompting learners to consider long-term struggles for equality. Students are introduced to the structure and authority of the Supreme Court, learning how justices are appointed and why its rulings carry lasting consequences.

Through engaging activities, learners examine landmark cases that address gender equality, workplace and education rights, and reproductive rights. They are challenged to categorize cases, evaluate whether the rulings advanced or hindered women’s rights, and debate which case had the most significant impact.

In the plenary, students reflect on whether the Supreme Court has ultimately acted as a supporter or an obstacle in the fight for women’s equality—backing up their views with evidence from the lesson. A structured homework task encourages deeper independent research into a chosen case, reinforcing critical thinking and research skills.

By the end of the lesson, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of how legal decisions influence social change, and how the fight for gender equality has been shaped within America’s highest court.

Key Features:

Thought-provoking “Do Now” that builds historical connections

Clear explanation of the role and power of the Supreme Court

Interactive tasks analyzing landmark cases in three major categories

Critical thinking extension: Which case had the biggest impact?

Structured plenary and independent research homework task

Links to wider themes of justice, equality, and civic responsibility

This lesson is ideal for history, government, politics, or women’s studies classes and helps students connect past struggles for equality with ongoing debates around rights and freedoms today.