2026 Equal Justice Under Law
Equal Justice Under Law is designed to enhance students' understanding of an authentic U.S. Supreme Court case and a related constitutional issue. In their classes, students examine the facts of the case, review the constitutional issue, consider the arguments they find persuasive, and develop their own positions using curriculum materials developed by the Constitutional Democracy Project.
After learning about the case in their classrooms, students come together to deliberate on the constitutional issue and advocate for their positions with peers from a variety of school settings. At the student-led conference, they engage in discussion and deliberation with other students, legal experts, and policymakers as they consider how the Constitution should be applied to the case.
This year's case is Jouppi v. Alaska, a case now before the United States Supreme Court involving the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against excessive fines. More than a decade ago, Kenneth Jouppi was convicted of knowingly transporting alcohol into a “dry” Alaska village. He was sentenced to three days in prison and a $1,500 fine, but the State of Alaska also sought to forfeit his airplane. The case raises an important constitutional question: When does punishment become excessive?
Through the Equal Justice Under Law program, students will investigate the facts, examine the Eighth Amendment, weigh competing constitutional arguments, develop and advocate for their own positions, and consider what the Supreme Court should decide.
Registration is $150 per school. Individuals can register independently for $15. Schools can be invoiced, or a direct payment link can be sent after registration. Individuals will be sent a direct link for payment upon registration.
