Reporting an Iowa Supreme Court Decision
Law reading is hard. Putting a story together is difficult. Focus on topic of your own. Sift through what is the most important. Explain to people what court is about.
Include Who, What, When, Where, Why, How. A story has a lead that tells what happen. A lead should include: decision of the court, who wrote the court’s opinion. A whether I agree. Put quotes in order of importance, with most importance going in first. Which issues are most important? Pick quotes that really make sense. Explain what justices decided and why.
“Sum up, in colorful way, the essence of what is being talked about.” This is why we use quotes.
Translate legal text into normal speak.
Oral argument of Supreme Court. – Both sides appear and make a summary argument to Supreme Court. Looking at Tinker v. Des Moines case:
Took notes listening to oral arguments on audio –
Trying to comprehend what is going on here. We will listen for about half and hour to try and gather information with our ears. See what summary quotes you can pull up. There are no cameras in federal court. Journalists listen to audio or listen in court and write Stories on how the argument went without seeing or using photos.
#21 John F and Mary Beth Tinker v. Des Moines…and community School District.
Johnson (?)
Decision is silimiar to XXX case. The difference is
“Its a freedom of speech case.”
The purpose of the students wearing the arm bands to school was to show their support of a truce as mentioned by senator
The there students who are petitioners in this case determined that despite the policy announced in schools that they would wear the armbands.
“I cannot in good conscious remove the armband. I feel I have the right to remove it.”
John Tinker contacted the chairman of the school board and tried to have a special board meeting to clear the arm band and were denied.
Reminded me of the three stooges listening to the back ad further between judge white and Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson was raising his voice and became more stern throughout.
Strange to have the judges interrupting Mr. Johnson.
links from the web on Orville’s case:
http://lawyersusaonline.com/benchmarks/2010/05/17/orvilles-dead-but-whither-goes-his-head/
http://deans-lawschoolcasebriefs.blogspot.com/2016/12/alcor-life-extension-foundation-v.html
http://www.thegazette.com/2009/08/14/cryonics-debate-may-be-headed-to-iowa-supreme-court
https://www.leagle.com/decision/iniaco20100512306
Orville decided to sign over the rights of his remains to Alcor.
Write as the decision was made today.
Journalism & Law 
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