Starting this evening, we’re introducing a new feature on SCOTUSwiki. For the first time, the “pages” for five cases are now open to various degrees for editing. For each case before the Court, SCOTUSwiki hosts a wiki page with links to its briefs, analysis by SCOTUSblog, and media coverage. Until now, editing of these pages was restricted to our blog team.
These first five pages are an experiment; we hope to open another five as the Term progresses.
The unlocked pages already feature links to the docket, questions presented, and briefs from the cert. stage, and we will add new documents as they become available. Users will have complete control over all other content. Normally we post summary articles about each case’s factual background, merits briefs, oral argument, and decision, as well as links to media coverage; users are free to use this sample wiki page as a template.
Three of the five pages will be completely open to the public, so long as the individual registers for a free SCOTUSwiki account under his or her real name.
Two of the pages will be opened only to “experts.” We have unlocked access to each of these pages to a select group of legal scholars with knowledge about the specialized area of law involved. If you believe you’re an appropriate expert in the field, we’d love to consider including you; email scotusblog.feedback@gmail.com.
To start editing, click on the links below:
Pages open to everyone:
Pages open to “experts”:
As for all wikis, editing SCOTUSwiki does require some basic knowledge of wiki markup language. But many of us at SCOTUSblog are far from experts in it and we’ve managed just fine. If you need help, a basic tutorial is available from Wikipedia, which uses the same wiki format. Firefox users can also download the add-on Grease Monkey to edit without the specialized language.
As always, we welcome your feedback to scotusblog.feedback@gmail.com.
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