CASE Library
Explore The Issues that Matter.
We excitedly invite you to browse, search, and explore our newly redesigned library of over 300 case studies which render some of the most complex and controversial moral and political issues of our time. These cases were formerly used for official NHSEB competitions at the Regional, Divisional, and National Championship levels. They are freely available for public use under Creative Commons licenses.
The NHSEB Case Library is an excellent tool for competitive preparation, internal or intramural competition, or beyond the context of the Ethics Bowl activity completely—as a classroom resource for Grades 9-12 and beyond.
Featured Cases
NAVIGATING THE LIBRARY
NHSEB’s Case Library is now fully browsable by individual case, or by Case Set—using the filters below. Or, if you already know a bit about what you’re looking for, the entire library of over 300 Ethics Bowl cases is newly indexed, referenced, and searchable by title, topic, keyword, year, and category. Each individual case entry contains the full text of the case and discussion questions as they originally appeared for competitive use, all references assembled in hyperlinked footnotes, and additional contextual resources curated by NHSEB HQ.
CASE SET COLLECTION
REGIONAL CASE SETS
2023-2024 | 2022-2023 | 2021-2022 | 2020-2021 | 2019-2020 | 2018-2019
2017-2018 | 2016-2017 | 2015-2016 | 2014-2015 | 2013-2014 | 2012-2013
National CASE SETS
2023-2024 | 2022-2023 | 2021-2022 | 2020-2021 | 2019-2020 | 2018-2019
2017-2018 | 2016-2017 | 2015-2016 | 2014-2015 | 2013-2014 | 2012-2013
FIND AN ETHICS BOWL CASE
ATTRIBUTION AND CITATION
All National High School Ethics Bowl cases are the intellectual property of the Parr Center for Ethics, and all are freely available for public use under Creative Commons licenses once retired from use in NHSEB competitions. This library represents thousands of hours of work from our Contributing Authors, Editors, and others. Please do not reproduce NHSEB cases or sets—in part or in whole—without attribution, or modify the text of individual cases or sets. If you reproduce or make reference to NHSEB cases from this library (e.g., in classroom materials, academic papers, etc.), please attribute and/or cite those materials:
National High School Ethics Bowl (Ed.), <YEAR>. “<Case Title>.” National High School Ethics Bowl Case Library. UNC Parr Center for Ethics: Chapel Hill, NC. http://nhseb.org/case-library
Browse The Library
Trayvon Martin and the Use of Lethal Force
All male US residents must register for the draft, but exemptions exist for "conscientious objectors." People can object if their religion prohibits participation in combat or they have strongly held moral objections to war. Under what circumstances, if any, should someone be able to object to military service?
Conscientious Objection
All male US residents must register for the draft, but exemptions exist for "conscientious objectors." People can object if their religion prohibits participation in combat or they have strongly held moral objections to war. Under what circumstances, if any, should someone be able to object to military service?
Physician-Assisted Suicide
Terminally ill patients in some states can choose to die with physician-assisted suicide (PAS). Supporters argue PAS gives patients the right to die with dignity, while opponents call it a corruption of the ethical code of doctors. Under what conditions should physicians have the right to assist patients with suicide?
The After Party
Tom's dad was supposed to give Christine and Tom (who are dating) a ride home from a post-prom party. They cannot yet drive and are the only sober party-goers. When he picks them up, Christine notices that Tom's dad has been drinking. Christine doesn't want to disrespect an adult, but wants everyone to get home safely. What should she do?
Déjà Vu: Arming Present Day Friends
In the past, the U.S. has armed international military forces the State Department believed would advance US interests. Unfortunately, some of these weapons were later used against our own military forces. Is it ethical to arm rebels in countries we are not at war with? What criteria should be used to determine if a faction receives military aid?
Indian Child Welfare Act
In a 2013 child custody case, the Supreme Court ruled that Veronica, a native American girl, should not have been taken away from her adoptive parents. Her biological father had previously sued for custody and won by invoking the Indian Child Welfare Act. Should Veronica be returned to her adoptive parents or remain with her biological father?
Security Versus Privacy
Edward Snowden was called a hero by some and a traitor by others for revealing that the NSA was collecting private communications from unsuspecting US citizens. Is it ethical for the government to collect private communication records between U.S. citizens? Is it ethical for government employees to reveal classified information entrusted to them?
Endangered Animals on the Loose
When 56 exotic animals were set loose in Ohio, law enforcement shot and killed 49 animals, instead of using tranquilizer darts. Was this morally permissible, given that many of the animals were endangered species? Is private possession of exotic or endangered animals ethical?
Forced Fatherhood
Some men feel that they should not have to pay child support for unwanted children. Is it ethical for men to be held financially responsible for children they did not want while women have the ability to get an abortion? How should gender inequalities affect the issue of forced fatherhood?
Legalization of Marijuana
The legalization of marijuana is gaining traction in some states. Supporters claim legalization will help the economy and that it is an issue of racial justice because African-Americans are disproportionately arrested for drug use. Opponents claim that legalization is a "slippery slope" that could lead to the legalization of more dangerous drugs.
Compensation for Non-Profits
State-subsidized non-profits have been criticized for executives having annual salaries of $100,000 or more. Should non-profit executives be paid competitive salaries? Critics argue that the money should be spent on helping people, while supporters argue that for non-profits to be successful, they must be able to recruit talented workers with competitive salaries.
Compensation for College Athletes?
Given that college athletes provide universities with windfall profits but are not compensated except through scholarships, is the current structure of NCAA sports exploitative? Should college athletes be paid?
Forgiving Political Sex Scandals
Given that several politicians involved in sex scandals have made a political comeback, do politicians need to have good moral character? Is forgiveness of sexual indiscretion a demonstration of social progress or an erosion of ethics and values?
Frankenburger
Should we support the research and development of synthetic, genetically-engineered meat? It would prevent the killing of animals but hurt the animal farming industry and use animals for research.
One Child Too Many
Under what conditions, if any, should a government be allowed to limit the number of children people can have? In the US, families with many kids become famous through reality TV. What is the media's responsibility in covering these stories?