Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission (2018)

Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission was our winter 2017 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:

To download the case summary, use the add to cart button above. 

Case Issue: 

Does enforcement of Colorado’s anti-discrimination law require Masterpiece Cakeshop to create expression in a way that violates the baker’s free speech or free exercise rights under the First Amendment?

Briefs:

• Brief of Petitioner: Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd., et al.
• Brief of Respondent: Colorado Civil Rights Commission and Charlie Craig and David Mullins

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:

• SCOTUSblog: Wedding Cakes v. Religious Beliefs? In Plain English
• New York Times: Where to Draw Line on Free Speech? Wedding Cake Case Vexes Lawyers

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

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

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.  
• Because this resource includes issues related to race and social identity, Street Law recommends: Teaching Street Law Content Involving Race and Social Identity. This resource can help teachers bring content about race and social identity into their classrooms. It offers some advice and questions to help guide decisions about teaching this content while affirming students’ identities.
• 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.)
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