Policy Background
Identify the public health problem and be sure to be specific about the problem’s scope
and magnitude. Use quantitative data and sources to support (statistics and etc would be
useful). Be sure to identify who is affected, nature of the problem, key factors, and factors
associated with the problem. Define the characteristics (frequency, severity, scope, economic,
and budgetary impacts) of the problem or issue. Below are some key questions that should help
guide you in providing the necessary information.
Though I provide you with these questions your assignment should NOT be in question and
answer format. It should be presented in paragraph format.
What is the problem to be addressed? State the problem meaningfully.
What was the event or series of event that was a catalyst for the case?
Is it a problem or crisis that demands immediate attention?
What interests are at stake for the actor (ie state or federal government) overall?
Use data to support
Focus on the central, critical factors
Identify who is concerned and why?
II. Facts of the Case
Include a summary of the pertinent facts and legal points raised in the case. It
will show the nature of the litigation, based on what occurrences, and what happened in the
lower court(s). Facts are often conveniently summarized at the beginning of the court’s
published opinion. Sometimes, the best statement of the facts are found in a dissenting or
concurring opinion. **Be careful though judges are not above being selective about the facts
they emphasize. This can become of crucial important when you try to reconcile apparently
inconsistent cases, because the way a judge chooses to characterize and ‘edit’ the facts often
determines which way he or she will vote, as a result which rule of law will be applied.***
Keys: make sure you describe the nature of the case, a statement of the relevant law, a short
summary of the case. Explain who did what to whom and why the case is being presented.
III. Reasoning and opinions
Identify the actions taken by the lower courts (if this case is being heard in the supreme
court).If it was heard in the Supreme Court, identify how each justice voted. What was the
decision? Was a policy created? A law upheld?
IV. Analysis
Evaluate the significance of the case, its relationship to other cases, its place in history,
and what it shows about the Court, the impact it has on government, society, and public health
implications. Go into depth here.
This section important- this is where the depth of the paper is. How does the case
influence public health? Have any unintended consequences been identified
V. References
All references must be in APA format. There should be at least 3 references. Refrain
from using the textbook. Use the textbook to assist you in identifying a case or where to look
for information but do not cite the textbook. Quality sources- peer reviewed journal articles
and other references. Governmental organizations count as quality references, stay away from
blogs, opinion pieces and news articles. Should be written in Times New Roman font 12. Should
be written in APA format and should be around 3-4 pages. References shouldn’t be older than
10 years unless discussing a historical component. Should be at least three references
