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

Fisher v. University of Texas (II) was our winter 2015 SCOTUS in the Classroom case.  

Each SCOTUS Term, Street Law selects the most classroom-relevant, student-friendly cases as our SCOTUS in the Classroom cases. Teachers are encouraged to hold moot courts or mini-moot courts of the case the same weeks that the Supreme Court hears arguments, giving students the opportunity to follow discussion and analysis in the news and listen to or read a transcript of the actual oral arguments at the Court. 

Case Summary and Activities:

• To download the case summary, use the add to cart button above. 
• Applying Precedents Activity (Bakke)
• Applying Precedents Activity (Brown)
• Mini-moot Court

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's 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 

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Additional details:

• All Street Law Case Summaries include case facts, issues, relevant constitutional provisions/statutes/precedents, arguments for each side, and decision. They have been reviewed by both legal experts and educators and are ready for classroom use. 
• Format: downloadable Word .docx (You must create an account and "check out" to download free resources. You will not be required to provide payment information.)
• © 2015 Street Law, Inc. Free for non-commercial educational use. Permissions questions? Email [email protected]
• The Supreme Court Historical Society is our longstanding partner in the development of U.S. Supreme Court-themed classroom resources.   
• Learn more about Street Law's commitment and approach to quality curriculum.