Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission (2018)

Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission was a SCOTUS in the Classroom case. It was decided on June 4, 2018.

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.

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