How to Identify the Important Facts of the Case

Elements of the case:  In each case that you are examining, separate the case into the competing parties, the actions that each of the parties took; the values which the actions of each of the parties support; and the legal bases for each of the parties' actions.

          Parties:

The person, group, or organization which came into conflict with another person, group or organization.

One party is the individual or group that believes its rights are being violated/abridged.  The other is often a government, company, or agency who has interacted with the first party. (For example, "Topeka School Board" is a party.)
 

          Actions:

Those events or behavior taken by a party which led to the conflict in question. (When filling out the actions of the two parties, remember to phrase them in the form of a gerund. A gerund is a verb which has an "ing" ending.  For example, "requiring blacks to attend segregated schools" is an action.)
 

          Values:

Those things (beliefs, objects, ideas, etc...) which a person considers important and affects his actions. (When filling out the values of the parties remember to phrase them in the form of a noun. For example, "equal protection" is a value.)
 

          Legal Bases:

The Constitutional basis or bases that grants a right or authority to the parties in support of the actions they have taken. (When filling out the legal bases remember to include all relevant amendments.  For example, "the Fourteenth Amendment" is a legal basis.)