Supreme Court Discussion Prompts & Pause Points

Read the movie description that appears below the movie player on the Supreme Court Topic Page. Then use the following prompts to encourage class discussion before, during, and after watching the movie.

Before the Movie

What do you know about the Supreme Court?

How many Supreme Court justices are there?

During the Movie (Pause Points)

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 0:41: Why do you think the justices need to be approved by the Senate?

Timecode 1:15: Why might the Supreme Court strike down a law?

Timecode 2:35: How does a case get to the Supreme Court?  

After the Movie

Would you want to be a Supreme Court justice? Why or why not?

What do you think of the idea of having a position for life? What are the pros and cons?

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.