For the Discussion this week, you explored how federal judges' political ideologies impact judicial outcomes. In this Application Assignment, you go a step further by looking at how court decisions impact law and public policy. In doing so, it is important to keep in mind that the president and legislators make public policy, not the courts. Yet the courts have the authority to interpret what the law means through court decisions. The authority to interpret the law provides the courts with a lasting influence on law and public policy.

To prepare for this assignment:

• Review the assigned pages in and Consider the influence of the courts on law and policy.
• Review the article, "Boston University School of Law Merck KGaA v. Integra Life Sciences I, Ltd: Implications of the Supreme Court's Decision for the People Who Matter Most.the Consumer." Reflect on the decision made in this particular case. Consider the impact of the court's decision on the pharmaceutical industry and the public at large.
• Using the Walden Library or the Internet, select and research a public policy that has been affected by a court decision and consider the impact on the public policy and any laws. Also consider how any laws related to the policy have been affected.
• Reflect on the degree to which you think courts should impact law and policy.