What is a Case Study?

A case study is a distinct type of research methods that is incorporated within the field of social science.  A case study is a research paper that is delivered in a specific format and submitted as a formalized document. A case study can come in many forms and are typically evaluated and developed in an academic or business setting.

All Case studies require the exhaustive evaluation in alignment with the studying of a person, a small group of individuals, a single situation, or a specific case. Case studies are developed to reveal a correlation between two factors; case studies are used to elucidate upon a social phenomenon, a legal matter, or an empirical question to reveal whether or not a causal relationship can be proven.

For example, a common social case study may reveal that a lot of criminals tend to look at or purchase pornographic material. This information and subsequent conclusion would reveal that there is a direct correlation or at least an association between committing crimes and purchasing pornography.  Although there is no scientific evidence that links observing pornography to committing crimes, case studies in this example, simply reveal a correlation between the two.

The evaluation of case studies is based on the in-depth investigation of a single individual, a group, or a specific event. As a result of this somewhat broad definition, case studies may be descriptive or explanatory in nature. The latter form is typically used to explore causation in order to find the underlying principles of a particular legal matter or social phenomenon.

Why is a Case Study Used?

In academic circles, particularly business schools, a case study will be used to evaluate individual or consumer behavior in alignment with a particular industry or market. Harvard business cases, for example, are complex analytical tools that will elucidate upon the relationship between a group of consumers and a broader sociological issue. For example, common case studies may evaluate alternative energy sources and their direct benefit or cost placed on the environment and the individual consumer.

A case study can be used for an assortment of reasons, but for the most part, the information-based study aims at revealing a relationship between an individual and a greater entity to decipher why people make the decisions they make or why something purchased or obtained imposes particular aftereffects.

Harvard Business Cases:

When the Harvard business school first started, the faculty members quickly realized that there were no textbooks or scholarly journals that were suitable to teach a graduate program in business. The faculty’s first solution was to interview leading business professionals and to create detailed accounts of how those individuals operated in their particular businesses. These Harvard business cases were typically written by the faculty themselves and later refined in the classroom before they were published.

Additional documentation, such as financial statements, short biographies and time-lines were attached to these Harvard business cases to further elaborate the behavioral methods of professionals. As a result, these compiled reports acted as the foundation for the Harvard business school’s curriculum; students evaluated the decisions made by these professionals  and drew conclusions to their reasoning as well as the circumstances that resulted from such business decisions.

Who are the Rosenbergs?

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were American communists who were ultimately executed for committing espionage against the United States Government. The Rosenbergs passed highly classified information to the Soviet Union concerning the United States’ progress and efforts regarding the atomic bomb. The Rosenbergs, as a result of their conspiracy against the United States government, were the first civilians to be executed in the history of the United States.

The Early Years:

Both Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were born into Jewish families in the United States; the Rosenbergs joined the Communist party during their youths. When the Second World War commenced, Julius Rosenberg was working for the single corps; however, he was later dismissed when his role within the Communist party was revealed.

After being dismissed, Julius Rosenberg went to work for Ethel’s brother; the pair gathered information concerning the United States Government and the atomic bomb.

When the Soviet Union successfully produced a nuclear weapon (following the close of the Second World War) the United States grew deeply suspicious. Subsequent investigations revealed a complex network of espionage and spies who according to the United States Government, passed information to the Russians. The United States Government believed that this information was passed because the spies sympathized with the Russian Government or because they felt that the United States should not possess sole control of nuclear weapons. Ethel’s brother was ultimately pinned for his role in this network; however, he immediately passed on the name of the Rosenbergs to reduce his involvement.

FBI Investigation of the Rosenbergs:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested the Rosenbergs in hopes of forcing Julius to confess; the FBI assumed that Julius would be forced to confess to ultimately save his wife from prosecution. This strategy; however, proved unsuccessful for the Rosenbergs pled the Fifth Amendment during their trials.

During the Rosenbergs’ trials, the guilt of the couple was essentially assumed; it was not until after the trial ended that international outcry shed light on this assumed guilt. Despite two years of controversy and campaigning against the trial, the United States’ government convicted the Rosenbergs and sentenced them to death.

Later evidence involving the Rosenbergs revealed that Julius was most certainly involved in espionage against the United States Federal Government; the value in regards to the Rosenbergs punishment however, is widely disputed.

The Venona Project:

The majority of information and evidence surrounding the Rosenbergs and their role in espionage against the United States government came from the Venona Project—a cooperative effort between the United States and Great Britain to intercept and decode various Soviet communications. These efforts ultimately shed light on the Rosenbergs’ efforts in passing confidential information to Soviet Union concerning the atomic bomb. As a result of the controversy and public interest surrounding the Rosenbergs and their trial, numerous documents concerning the case have been made public through the Central intelligence Agency.

Who is Jeffrey Dahmer?

Jeffrey Dahmer was an infamous American serial killer and notorious sex offender. In total, Jeffrey Dahmer murdered 17 men and young boys—the majority of Dahmer’s victims were of African or Asian descent—between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Jeffrey Dahmer is unfortunately known for the savageness and brutality for which he killed and subsequently disposed of his victims; Dahmer’s murders were particularly savage, for they commonly involved rape, dismemberment, torture, necrophilia and cannibalism.

The Early Years:

Jeffrey Dahmer was born in West Allis, Wisconsin on May 21, 1960. By all accounts, Jeffrey Dahmer’s childhood was defined and regarded as normal; however, when Dahmer reached the age of 15, he grew increasingly reserved and withdrawn from social interactions. As a youth, Dahmer would shy away from normal childhood activities, opting instead to bike around his neighborhood looking for dead animals, which he dissected at home. By the time Jeffrey Dahmer reached high school he was a raging alcohol and classified as extremely depressed.’

After immediately dropping out of Ohio State University, Jeffrey Dahmer was forced to enter the military by his father. Although Jeffrey Dahmer thrived at first in the organized and disciplined structure of the military, he was discharged after two years of service due to alcoholism.

In 1982, after being arrested for disorderly conduct and public intoxication, Jeffrey Dahmer moved in with his grandmother in West Allis. During this juncture, Dahmer’s behavior grew increasingly weird; his grandmother routinely found weapons in his room and Dahmer was arrested twice for indecent exposure in 1982 and 1986.

The Jeffrey Dahmer Murders:

After being arrested and due to his strange behavior, Dohmer’s grandparents kicked them out of their home in the summer of 1988. After finding an apartment on Milwaukee’s West side, Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested for drugging and fondling a 13-yeard old boy. For this obscene crime, Jeffrey Dahmer was sentenced to five years probation and required to register as a sex offender. After receiving parole, Dahmer moved into a new apartment; shortly thereafter, Dahmer went on a vicious killing spree that ultimately ended with his arrest in 1991.

While still living with his father, Jeffrey Dahmer committed his first murder in the summer of 1978. With his family away, Dahmer picked up a hitchhiker, invited him back to his father’s house for drinks and ‘sexual activity.’ When the man tried to leave, Dahmer bludgeoned his victim with a barbell and buried his corpse in the backyard.

Nine years after his first murder, Dahmer claimed his next victim. Following this attack, Dahmer continued to kill sporadically: Dahmer committed two murders in 1988, one in the early part of 1989 etc. Dahmer commonly picked up his victims in gay bars, drugged them and then savagely murdered them. Dahmer, as a psychotic post-humorous ritual, would often keep his victim’s body parts or skulls in his apartment refrigerator. 

Jeffrey Dahmer picked up his murdering pace in the early 1990s. Using his own residence as the central hub for his devastation, Jeffrey Dahmer averaged one murder a week during the summer of 1991.

Jeffrey Dahmer’s Arrest:

On July 22, 1991 Jeffrey Dahmer lured another potential victim, Tracy Edwards, into his Milwaukee apartment. Based on the would-be victim’s testimony, Dahmer struggled in subduing Edwards. With a large butcher knife in hand, Dahmer forced Edwards into the bathroom, where the prospective victim saw pictures of mangled bodies and acknowledged terrible smells coming from barrels that were strewn throughout the room. Edwards, in a state of panic, kicked Jeffrey Dahmer in the stomach and sprinted out into the street where he eventually waved down a police car. Edwards brought the officer’s back to Dahmer’s apartment where a search revealed gruesome displays of murder and torture. Severed heads, photographs of murdered victims, and humane remains were in Dahmer’s refrigerator as well as throughout his entire apartment. 

Jeffrey Dahmer’s Trial and Death:

Jeffrey Dahmer was indicted on 17 murder charges (later reduced to 15) and after two weeks of trial, the court found Dahmer sane and guilty on all 15 counts. As a result of the viciousness and serial-nature of his crimes, Jeffrey Dahmer was sentenced to 15 life terms or 957 years in prison.

Dahmer was extradited to Ohio where he ultimately declared himself a born-again Christian. Dahmer was attacked by fellow inmates for the nature of his savage crimes. On November 28, 1994, while partaking in janitorial work, Dahmer and another inmate were severely beaten with a broom handle by fellow inmate Christoper Scarver. Dahmer dies of severe head trauma while on his way to the emergency room; his brain was taken for study.

The Background of Roth v. United States

Roth v. United States was a landmark case heard before the United States Supreme Court. In Roth v. United States, the United States Supreme Court redefined the United States Constitutional test that was used to determine what constitutes obscene material that was left unprotected by the First Amendment.

Samuel Roth ran a literary business in New York City and was convicted under a federal statute for sending obscene, lewd, or filthy materials through the mail for advertising a publication titled American Aphrodite.

Roth v. United States Trial:

Roth v. United States was decided as a 6-3 decision; the Court defined obscenity as material whose “dominant theme taken as a whole appeals to the prurient interest” to the “average person, applying contemporary community standards.” Only material that meets this test could be labeled and subsequently banned as being “obscene.”

In 1973, in the Supreme Court Case Miller v. California, a five-person majority agreed on the creation of a test for determining constitutionally unprotected obscenity—this test effectively superseded the Roth test.

The Case Profile of Roth v. United States

The following is a case profile of the legal trial eponymously titled ‘Roth v. United States’:

Date of the Trial: Roth v. United States was argued on April 22 1957.

Legal Classification: Administrative Law; this legal field associated with events and circumstances in which the Federal Government of the United States engages its citizens, including the administration of government programs, the creation of agencies, and the establishment of a legal, regulatory federal standard

United States Reports Case Number: 354 U.S. 476

Date of the Delivery of the Verdict: Roth v. United States was decided on June 24, 1957

Legal Venue of Roth v. United States: The United States Supreme Court

Judicial Officer Responsible for Ruling: Chief Justice Earl Warren

Verdict Delivered: In Roth v. United States the courts stated that obscenity is not protected by the First Amendment. In addition to this ruling, the United States Supreme Court created a test that would more accurately and strictly define “obscene materials.”

What are Case Studies?

Case studies are common research methods incorporated within the field of social science.  Case studies therefore require the exhaustive evaluation and studying of a person, a small group of individuals, a single situation, or a specific case. Case studies are developed to reveal a correlation between two factors; case studies are incorporated into a social phenomenon or a legal matter to reveal whether or not a causal relationship can be proven. For example, a common social case study may reveal that obese people tend to drink a lot of skim milk. This information and subsequent conclusion would reveal that there is a direct correlation or at least an association between being obese and drinking skim milk. Although there is no scientific evidence that links drinking skim milk to obesity, case studies in this example, simply reveal a correlation between the two.

The evaluation of case studies is based on the in-depth investigation of a single individual, a group, or a specific event. As a result of this somewhat broad definition, case studies may be descriptive or explanatory in nature. The latter form is typically used to explore causation in order to find the underlying principles of a particular legal matter or social phenomenon.

As oppose to using samples and following a strict set of rules or a protocol to examine a limited number of variables, case studies will incorporate various methods that involve an in-depth examination of a single incident or a particular case. Case studies provide a systematic method to accurately investigate information, collect data, analyze information and report the results of a particular legal matter. As a result of these characteristics and general benefits, a researcher participating in case studies may gain a sharpened understanding of why the particular instance occurred as it did and what may become critical to further research and review. Case studies, through these benefits, lend themselves to both testing and generating hypotheses.

Case Studies as Research Strategy:

Another common suggestion aligned with case studies is that the method can be regarded as a researched strategy or as an empirical inquiry that investigates an odd occurrence within a real-life context. Case studies, as a research tool, means single and multiple case studies will include quantitative evidence, will rely on multiple sources of evidence and will benefit from any prior research or development of the underlying theoretical propositions.

Case studies are held separate from quantitative research; additionally, case studies can be founded and based on any combination of quantitative or qualitative evidence.

Structure of Case Studies:

A typical case is often not attached to a plethora of information; to clarify lines of causation it is typically more useful to evaluate subjects that offer a revealing set of information aligned with the particular case. As a result, a case selection that is primarily based on representatives or individual subjects will rarely be able to produce particular and exacting bits of insights. When selecting a subject for case studies, a researcher will use information-oriented sampling as oppose to random sampling.

What is a Case Study?

Case studies are distinct research methods incorporated within the field of social science.  Case studies require the exhaustive evaluation in alignment with the studying of a person, a small group of individuals, a single situation, or a specific case. Case studies are developed to reveal a correlation between two factors; case studies are incorporated into a social phenomenon or a legal matter to reveal whether or not a causal relationship can be proven.

For example, a common social case study may reveal that a lot of criminals tend to look at or purchase pornographic material. This information and subsequent conclusion would reveal that there is a direct correlation or at least an association between committing crimes and purchasing pornography.  Although there is no scientific evidence that links observing pornography to committing crimes, case studies in this example, simply reveal a correlation between the two.

The evaluation of case studies is based on the in-depth investigation of a single individual, a group, or a specific event. As a result of this somewhat broad definition, case studies may be descriptive or explanatory in nature. The latter form is typically used to explore causation in order to find the underlying principles of a particular legal matter or social phenomenon.

How do Case Studies Work?

As oppose to using samples and following a strict set of rules or a protocol to examine a limited number of variables, case studies will incorporate various methods that involve an in-depth examination of a relationship, a single incident or particular legal matter. Case studies provide a systematic method to accurately investigate information, collect data, analyze information and report the results of a particular legal matter. As a result of these characteristics and general benefits, a researcher participating in case studies may gain a sharpened understanding of why the particular instance occurred as it did and what may become critical to further research and review. Case studies, through these benefits, lend themselves to both testing and generating hypotheses.

Case Study Examples:

Common case study examples, in the modern era, will evaluate consumer behavior. These forms of case study examples, for instance, will evaluate why today’s consumers are cutting out needless purchases and getting rid of gadgets or gizmos that don’t add value to their lives. These case study examples will elucidate on why consumers will migrate to brands that express these particular values.

Other forms of case study examples will evaluate human behavior and the direct effects that lifestyle choices or consumer choices pose on the environment. Environmental case study examples, during the modern era, are extremely common to help quell some critical environmental problems. Directly linked into this category are case study examples that evaluate the benefits of various alternative energy sources. These forms of case study examples are distributed and evaluated to help reduce our reliance on foreign oil.

What is a Case Study?

A case study is a research method that is incorporated within the field of social science.  Case studies require a thorough evaluation that is predominantly aligned with the behavioral issues of a person or a small group of individuals.

A Case study will be developed to reveal a correlation between two factors; case studies are incorporated into a social phenomenon or a legal matter to reveal whether or not a causal relationship can be proven. For example, a common social case study may reveal that a large percentage of criminals tend to look at or purchase pornographic material. This information and subsequent conclusion would reveal that there is a direct correlation or at least an association between committing crimes and purchasing pornography.  Although there is no scientific evidence that links observing pornography to committing crimes, case studies in this example, simply reveal a correlation between the two.

All case studies aim to elucidate on a social phenomenon that denotes the presence of a relationship between goods, individuals or other entities. Regardless of the subject matter or the type of relationship being investigated, all of the research methods must incorporate a formal case study format.


Case Study Format and How to Write a Case Study:

A case study may be used in an academic or professional setting as a thorough and unique research method. Although there are several types of case studies (exploratory, illustrative critical instance, medical, narrative and cumulative) there are a few basic guidelines on how to write a formal case study and how to formulate a case study format.

To conduct a case study using proper case study format, you must first construct a template that will act as your guideline throughout the evaluation and writing process. This case study format and the guideline attached will improve how the document is organized, as well as how the document looks, feels and reads.

Following the creation of a guideline, to properly follow case study format, you must draw your reader in with a unique and catchy title. The title of the case study should attract the reader and pull them into keep reading. When you begin writing the paper, you must first identify the problem that is being explored within the case study.

Exploring the problem, in alignment with a formal case study format, will incorporate your ability to include a suitable or effective case/effect theory. When doing this you must give as much background as possible. During this process you must discuss the possible solution and how the specific issue was specifically resolved—when you are explaining the resolution you must elucidate upon which methods were used in the process.

After you have resolved the issue, proper case study format requires you to describe the benefits of the study. Describe how the benefits affect the group to which your case study is aimed.

Proper case study format requires you to utilize general-to-specific-to-general approaches; this approach should be used because it grasps the reader’s attention and the reveals how it applies to the group as a whole.

The Background of United States v. Morrison:

United States v. Morrison is a landmark United States Supreme Court decision which stated that parts of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 violated provisions of the United States Constitution because they exceeded congressional power under the Commerce Clause and more specifically, under section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The Violence against Women Act of 1994 contained a provision for a federal civil remedy to victims of gender-based violence, even in those instances when no criminal charges were filed by the victim. The case of United States v. Morrison revolves around Virginia Tech freshman college student, Christy Brzonkala, who was allegedly assaulted and raped by Antonio Morrison and James Crawford—members of the University’s football team.

School-conducted hearings proved futile, for the Court proceedings failed to punish both Morrison and Crawford. Furthermore, a subsequent state trial could not find sufficient evidence to either man; however, Brzonkala then filed a separate suit under the provisions of the Violence against Women Act.

The United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia stated that the United States Congress lacked authority to enact the provision within the Violence against Women Act. Brzonkala then appealed the decision where a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit reversed the decision 201. The Supreme Court of the United States then affirmed, in a 5-4 decision, that the United States Congress lacked the authority under the Commerce Clause or the Fourteenth Amendment to enact the law.

The Case Profile of United States v. Morrison:

The following is a case profile of the legal trial eponymously titled ‘United States v. Morrison’:

Date of the Trial: United States v. Morrison was argued on January 11, 2000

Legal Classification: Administrative Law; this legal field associated with events and circumstances in which the Federal Government of the United States engages its citizens, including the administration of government programs, the creation of agencies, and the establishment of a legal, regulatory federal standard

United States Reports Case Number: 529 U.S. 598

Date of the Delivery of the Verdict: United States v. Morrison was decided on May 15, 2000

Legal Venue of United States v. Morrison: The United States Supreme Court

Judicial Officer Responsible for Ruling: Chief Justice William Rehnquist

Verdict Delivered: The United States Supreme Court stated that the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 and the provision within the act, is unconstitutional for it exceeds congressional power under the Commerce clause and also under section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

What are Cases?

Cases, in the scope of the law, refer to an official legal review of a dispute between opposing parties. Court cases will evaluate any number of legal issues that arise between opposing parties; the severity of the charges and the subject matter revolving around a court case will vary based on a case by case circumstance.

There are two predominant types of court cases: civil and criminal. Within each court case; however, there is a defending party (individual or party who is defending the claims made against them) and an accusing party or plaintiff who seeks justice for the alleged wrongdoing precipitated by the defending party.

Types of Cases:

Civil Cases: Civil cases, commonly known as lawsuits, begin when a plaintiff files a legally binding document called a complaint with a court system. The complaint, which initiates all civil cases, informs the court of the wrongdoing that took place and was precipitated by the defendant and caused the plaintiff to allegedly suffer some form of physical or monetary damage. Civil cases, similar to all forms of legal cases, aim to find a resolution or legal remedy to the underlying problem.

A civil case, when compared to a criminal case, can be resolved outside of the courtroom through arbitration or mediation. These forms of remedy may take the form of an injunction (which requires the defendant to perform or refrain from delivering some sort of action), an exchange of money (or a settlement), or a declaratory judgment, which will determine that the plaintiff has established legal rights that cannot be infringed.

In a civil case, the plaintiff must make a genuine effort to inform the defendant of the case through a service of process. This procedure informs the defendant similar that the plaintiff filed a complaint or legal matter with the underlying court. At any point during civil court cases, the parties may agree to partake in a settlement, which effectively ends the case, although in some situations, such as in class action lawsuits, a settlement will require court approval in order to maintain its legal binding status.

Criminal Court Cases: In common law jurisdictions, criminal court cases begin when a person suspected of a crime or felony is indicted by a grand jury or charged with the offense by a government official (district attorney or prosecutor).

Similar to civil court cases, all criminal court cases may also be settled before a formal trial; this process, which is known as a plea bargain, is offered in some jurisdictions and will be made available in alignment with the severity of the allegation. If a person does not attend a trial on their scheduled court date, they will incur additional penalties.

Fundamentals of all Cases:

All cases, whether civil or criminal, are based off the idea that any dispute will be resolved when a legal procedure is attached to the issue; the legal procedure in all court cases will evaluate all evidence and facts involved in the case. The legal procedure, thus, determines the truth of the issue with respect to claims of guilt, liability, innocence or a lack of fault.

The Background of United States v. Nixon:

United States v. Nixon was a landmark decision offered by the United States Supreme Court. The case revolved around the Watergate scandal, which began during the 1972 presidential campaign—a race between Democratic Senator George McGovern and incumbent Richard Nixon.

On June 17 of 1972, before Nixon claimed the election, five burglars broke into the Democratic headquarters located inside the Watergate building complex in Washington, D.C. Nixon, in response to the break-in at the Watergate, appointed a special prosecutor to investigate the incident for the Federal Government of the United States. In April of 1974, Leon Jaworski—the acting prosecutor—obtained a subpoena, which ordered President Nixon to release tapes and documents relating to specific meetings between the President and those indicted by the Grand Jury. The tapes effectively revealed the Watergate scandal; the conversations contained damaging evidence involving the men and even President Nixon himself.

In response to this evidence, Jaworski obtained a subpoena, which stated that the President turn over all conversations and documents linked with the Watergate scandal. President Nixon responded to this order by delivering edited transcripts of 43 conversations, which included only portions of the requested conversations outlined by the subpoena.

Watergate Scandal Trial:

Nixon’s attorney, James St. Clair, requested that Judge Sinica of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia terminate the subpoena; St. Clair argued that the President of the United States is not subject to the processes imposed by any court except the court of impeachment. Judge Sinca ultimately denied this motion and ordered the president to turn the tapes over by May 31st of the same year.

Both sides appealed to the United States Supreme Court, which opened the trial on July 8th. St. Clair argued that the President should not be subjected to “judicial resolution” since the matter revolved around the executive branch; St. Clair felt as though the branch should resolve the issue “in-house.” Furthermore, St. Clair also felt that Jaworski did not effectively prove that the requested materials were necessary for the trial of the accused men involved with in the Watergate scandal.

After the court stated that it could resolve the matter and that Jaworski had indeed provided a sufficient likelihood that the evidence contained conversations relevant to the charges, the Court rejected Nixon’s claim to an “absolute Presidential privilege of immunity from judicial process under all circumstances.”

The Case Profile of United States v. Nixon:

The following is a case profile of the legal trial eponymously titled ‘United States v. Nixon’:

Date of the Trial: United States v. Nixon was argued on July 8, 1974

Accused Criminal Activity: The following criminal activity and charges were cited by the United States against President Richard Nixon within the appeal brought forth subsequent to the initial ruling:

President Nixon was charged with coordinating the break-in of the Watergate hotel, which housed key documents that would reveal the democratic strategy for the 1972 election.

United States Reports Case Number: 1039; 1974 U.S.

Date of the Delivery of the Verdict: United States v. Nixon was decided on July 24, 1974

Legal Venue of United States v. Nixon: The United States Supreme Court

Judicial Officer Responsible for Ruling: Chief Justice Burger

Verdict Delivered: The United States Supreme Court possesses the final say in determining constitutional questions; no individual, including the President of the United States, is above the law; and the President of the United States cannot use executive privileges as an excuse to withhold evidence that is relevant to a criminal trial.