Justice Frank Murphy and Racial Prejudice: No Justifiable Part

In this lesson, students will learn about Supreme Court Justice Frank Murphy and his stand for justice in three World War II cases related to restrictions on Japanese Americans.

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• What was Justice Frank Murphy’s role concerning Supreme Court cases involving Japanese-Americans? How was Murphy’s effort important?
• What was Justice Murphy’s purpose in deciding these cases?
• Why did Murphy think it was important to challenge the prevailing sentiment that restricted rights of Americans of Japanese ancestry?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will examine Justice Frank Murphy’s pursuit of justice for Japanese Americans.
• Students will determine ways that they can promote justice in their actions.
• Students will apply their knowledge of justice to their own lives.