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Frontier Justice
Students make an investigation into the Constitution of 1819, Article IV, Section II, gave the Governor of Alabama the power to grant reprieves and pardons in all criminal and penal cases, except those of treason and impeachment, and to...
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Plea Bargaining
Students explore plea bargaining and list the advantages and disadvantages of it.
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Why Juveniles Commit Crimes
High schoolers examine the reasons why juveniles commit crimes. As a class, they watch movies showing juveniles committing crims and discuss the impact on societies. They take a field trip to adult and juvenile courts and compare their...
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Is it Legal? - The Judicial System
Fourth graders explore the judicial branch of government; in particular, Florida's judicial branch of government.
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White Collar Crime
Learners discuss difference between crimes of deceit versus crimes of violence, define white-collar crime, and examine far reach of white collar crime laws. Students then analyze what differences exist between rationales for punishing...
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The 8th Amendment: The Death Penalty
High schoolers take a closer look at the death penalty. For this U.S. government lesson, students watch a Discovery video about capital punishment in the United States and then compose letters to the editors of newspapers about their...
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Racial Profiling
Students debate both positions on the controversial topic of racial profiling with support for each and then develop a consensus position on how racial profiling as a law enforcement tool should be used.
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Guilty to a Fault
Learners consider the moral and legal issues involved in distinguishing a verdict of murder from one of manslaughter (criminally negligent homicide) and write an essay describing the issues involved in the case that was researched.
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The Death Penalty
High schoolers examine how people are punished in the American justice system. In groups, they identify the four different theories of punishment and how it is used in the justice system. They use the internet to read arguments for and...
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What is a Court?
Learners examine and discuss the judicial branch of the U.S. government. They define what a court is, list three characteristics of a trial court and an appellate court, and analyze various trial and appeal situations.
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Bill of Rights and Lawmaking
Ninth graders consider how the Bill of Rights impacts the lawmaking process in the United States. In this Bill of Rights lesson, 9th graders discuss the amendments and their limitations. Students research the role of the Legislative...
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Tort Liability: Mock Trial
Students explore the trial process and the tort concept of host liability.
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Zen and the Art of Murder
Students describe the importance of citizen involvement in the judicial system. They play the role of a witness to a crime scene by watching the video clip. Students discuss how differing eyewitness accounts can affect a police...
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Affirmative Action
Students explore policies concerning affirmative action. After reading affirmative action handouts, students use the internet and other resources to research information about affirmative action laws, court cases, and arguments. They...
Facing History and Ourselves
Continuing Lemkin's Legacy: What Can We Do to Prevent and Stop Genocide?
Young scholars investigate genocide. In this contemporary history lesson, high schoolers research Darfur advocacy organizations and present plans of action to stop the injustice in Darfur.
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Torts: Intentional Torts
High schoolers are introduced to the concept of intentional torts. In groups, they compare and contrast civil and criminal wrongs committed by people. They are given case studies and use the elements of torts to apply to them. They share...
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Citizen Juries: Zacarias Moussaoui - May 1, 2006
Students consider deliberations by juries. In this citizen jury lesson plan, students complete readings regarding the constitutional right to a trial by jury as well as on the civic responsibility to serve on a jury.
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Judges in the Classroom
Students study the court process by participating in a mock trial. They demonstrate an understanding of the tort concept of host liability for injuries to third parties.
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Making An Appeal
Students are introduced to factors involved in making an appeal in a court case. Students examine the appeals in two court cases and present arguments for both sides. Students discuss the class decision and compare it to the actual...
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Claim Your Jurisdiction Game: Getting Ready For Moot Court
Students explore the jurisdictions of the courts in the federal and state systems. Students identify the differences in the two systems.
Utah State Courts
Judges in the Classroom
Class members explore the process of a disposition hearing for juveniles, particularly looking at how the judge decides what sentence the juvenile offender should receive. Task your pupils with evaluating different sample cases provided...
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The Sentencing Activity
Students simulate a trial where a crime has been committed and a judge decides on the sentencing. In this trial lesson plan, students discuss why boys and girls may view crimes differently.
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Testing DNA and the Death Penalty
High schoolers explore issues surrounding death penalty debate and participate in a values-clarification activity to help them form their opinions on this topic. They create a talk show to discuss issues involved with DNA testing and the...
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Respect
Students, in groups, exchange their opinions and experiences on issues around respect and anti-social behavior. They come up with approaches to youth crime prevention and discuss and present their own solutions.