Case Summary: Torres v. Madrid (2021) (High School Level)

Torres v. Madrid was our fall 2020 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. 
• Classifying Arguments Activity

Case Issue: 

Does the application of lethal force to restrain a suspect constitute a “seizure” within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment, even if the force does not immediately stop the person or result in the physical control or custody of the suspect?

Case Briefs:

• Brief of Petitioner: Roxanne Torres
• Brief of Respondent: Janice Madrid and Richard Williamson

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:

• The New York Times: “A Timely Case on Police Violence at the Supreme Court” (July 20, 2020)
• New York Law Journal: “How the Supreme Court Enables Police Excessive Force” (June 5, 2020) This is an analysis piece best suited for teacher background on the issues of excessive force claims and qualified immunity.
• Torres v. Madrid Preview Webinar with Guest Expert Jeff Green (Sept 25, 2020)

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.)
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