Of the three branches of government, the Supreme Court usually receives the least national attention. Not so this year. In addition to another changing of the guard with the retirement of Justice Stevens and the nomination of Elena Kagan, the 2009-2010 term generated a great deal of controversy. And in a number of instances, the public's keen interest in significant cases before the Court was further piqued in less anticipated cases by decisions that will have wide-reaching impact on average citizens. This article discusses recent Supreme Court decisions which generated surprising controversy, from gun control to First Amendment issues. In 2011, the Court will weigh in on cases dealing with the hiring of illegal immigrants, protests at soldiers' funerals, and selling violent video games. (Contains 20 notes.)