Bethel school district v. Fraser

1. Bethel School District v. Fraser By: Marissa Ehlert & Samantha Scholler

2. Basic Information Matthew Fraser was giving a speech to nominate a fellow student for elective office. School thought that he used a graphic sexual metaphor to promote the candidacy. He got suspended for two days.

3. Constitutional Issues This case affects the First Amendment by not letting Fraser use free speech The school said that Fraser used “x-rated” language during his speech.

4. Court Decision There were 7 votes for the school. There were 2 votes against the school. Court decided that the school did not violate the First Amendment rights by punishing Fraser.

5. Our opinion We think that Fraser should not be suspended. In High School no one cares what your language is. The students would have probably for gotten about it if the school had not thought it was rude.

6. Questions Discuss with your partner and answer What is your opinion on the case? Why do you think that? Do you think it violated the First Amendment? Do you think it was ok to use that language in his speech? Why or why not?

7. Works Cited Oyez. Oyez, 1986. Web. 18 Feb. 2010. <http://www.oyez.org/cases/1980-1989/1985/1985_84_1667>. Supreme Court Drama: Cases That Changed America. Vol. 1. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Www.galegroup.com. 18 Feb. 2010. <http://find.galegroup.com/gps/retrieve.do?contentSet=EBKS&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28KE%2CNone%2C32%29Bethel+School+District+v.+Fraser%24&sgHitCountType=None&inPS=true&sort=DateDescend&searchType=BasicSearchForm&tabID=T001&prodId=IPS&searchId=R2&currentPosition=2&userGroupName Gavel. Photograph. Google. Google. Web. 18 Feb. 2010. <www.findlocalauctions.com/userFiles/image/gavel-clipart.jpg>.

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