Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin II (2016)

Fisher v. University of Texas (II) was a SCOTUS in the Classroom case. It was decided June 23, 2016. 

Each term Street Law selects the most classroom-relevant, student-friendly cases as our SCOTUS in the Classroom cases. Teachers are encouraged to conduct moot courts the same week the case is argued, giving students the opportunity to follow discussion and analysis in the news and listen to or read a transcript of the actual oral arguments.

Street Law provides the following case resources for Fisher:

• Case summary (high school level)
• Applying Precedents activity: Bakke (high school level)
• Applying Precedents activity: Brown (high school level)
• Mini-moot Court activity (high school level)

Case Issue: 

Does UT-Austin’s consideration of race in undergraduate admissions violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment?

Case Briefs:

• Brief of Petitioner: Fisher
• Brief of Respondent: University of Texas
• Amici: available on SCOTUSblog case page

Oral Argument:

• Audio recording and transcript of the oral argument from the Supreme Court

Decision:

• Link to the opinion of the Court

News Articles and Resources:

• Abigail Fisher and affirmative action return to the Court: In Plain English by Amy Howe
• A view from the Courtroom during oral argument in Fisher by Mark Walsh
• SCOTUSblog via Washington Post: Is a Supreme Court Surprise Coming on Affirmative Action in College Admissions? 
• New York Times: Supreme Court Will Reconsider Affirmative Action Case
• Amicus Podcast from Slate: Background on Affirmative Action and related Court cases

How to Conduct a Moot Court or a Mini-Moot Court:

• Classroom Guide to Moot Courts
• Mini-Moot Courts Resource Bundle and Video