In the narrated lecture by Dr. Patterson, he uses several Supreme Court decisions that have negated civil rights for several identity groups, primarily black Americans. He refers to other decisions that have upheld equal protection for blacks and other minority groups.

Choose one of the Supreme Court cases that he discusses, and explain the Court's rationale in ruling this way. What does this say about the Supreme Court's role in deciding equal rights? Do you think it's sensible that 9 people with life terms would have this much power?