Curated OER
The Death Penalty
Students 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 against...
Teaching Tolerance
Jim Crow as a Form of Racialized Social Control
Just because slavery was illegal doesn't mean it went away ... Jim Crow Laws took its place. An eye-opening lesson focuses on how Jim Crow Laws were used as a form of racial social control against African Americans in the United States....
Judicial Learning Center
About Federal Judges: Qualifications of Judges
"Help Wanted: A Supreme Court Justice." What should be included in the ad? Learners ponder the question during a lively activity that asks them to examine the qualifications for various federal offices and then create job postings....
Constitutional Rights Foundation
What Is an Independent Judiciary?
While justice is supposed to be blind, it doesn't always follow the rules. Using a reading on the independent judiciary and case studies, learners consider what to do with judges who rule in their own self-interest rather than on behalf...
Curated OER
Justice
Students consider the role of justice in the formation of the United States and in the operation of today's criminal justice system. They investigate symbols associated with justice and references to justice in the Constitution.
Curated OER
Justice Demands an End to Segregation, But it Does Not End
Students define human rights and describe how it applies to politics, economics and cultural rights. As a class, they watch a video how the Constitution was made and discuss its purpose. In groups, they present information to the class...
Curated OER
The Truth About Human Rights
High schoolers explore the concept of human rights. In this human rights lesson plan, students watch 2 videos regarding human rights violations around the world since 2001. High schoolers explore several websites that feature human...
Curated OER
How the Supreme Court Affects the Lives of Teens
Young scholars describe the structure and function of the United States Supreme Court. They examine and analyze decisions made by the Court. They participate in a debate about recent issues.
iCivics
James Bond in a Honda? Trial Simulation
Your class members will take on the roles of jury members in this exciting simulation. After reading a detailed script and reviewing pieces of evidence, they will determine whether Honda violated copyright and copied James Bond.
Curated OER
The Leed's footballers' trial
Learners explore what happens when someone is tried for a crime. They expand their knowledge of the name "Criminal Justice System" and develop discussion skills. Students read the story Leeds footballer guilty of fighting in public. ...
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...
Curated OER
Symbolic Speech
Ninth graders consider the right of freedom of speech as it is outlined in the U.S. Constitution. They receive background information for the US Supreme Court, the Bill of Rights, and free speech. They discuss a series of actual cases...
Curated OER
Justice at the Local Level: Is it Effective?
Students view a PowerPoint presentation on the court system. They are arranged into groups and evaluate the effectiveness of the criminal and civil courts in local Michigan communities.
Curated OER
Juvenile Offenders
Students investigate how different democracies treat juvenile offenders as well as compare/contrast the juvenile and adult justice systems in their own democracy. In addition, individually and as a group, they determine whether juvenile...
Curated OER
The "Big Four"
Students identify the four individuals who are identified as the "Big Four", examine the years they were on the bench together, and look and the impact they made in key cases.
School Improvement in Maryland
Analysis of Marbury v. Madison
Should the United States Supreme Court have the power of judicial review? Instructors guide class members through a review of Marbury v. Madison and assist class members in writing a brief of the case. As independent practice,...
Curated OER
Stories of Freedom and Justice: Learning Resources
Young scholars are introduce to the topic of nonviolence and civil rights by watching a video. In this stories of freedom lesson, students examine the Supreme Court's role in interpreting the U.S. Constitution. Young scholars analyze how...
Curated OER
The Supreme Court: The Judicial Power of the United States
Middle schoolers learn basic facts about the Supreme Court by examining the United States Constitution and one of the landmark cases decided by that court.
Curated OER
Introduction to Mock Trials
Fifth graders participate in a mock trial and explore the vocabulary of a courtroom.
Curated OER
Espionage and Sedition Acts: Mock Trial
Bring to life the severity of the Espionage and Sedition Acts through a mock trial. Learners have prior knowledge of WWI and the context of these acts. An anticipatory set gets the class discussing the ethics of wartime dissension, and...
Curated OER
"Whispering Wires": Public Law vs. Individual Civil Liberties
High school student love discussing controversial issues like those brought up in this fourth amendment case study. They examine the 1928 Olmstead vs. U.S. prohibition court case, applying the fourth amendment to determine whether...
Curated OER
The Golden Rectangle
Students explore the concept of the golden ratio. In this golden ratio lesson, students measure objects to determine if their measurements fit the golden ratio. Students calculate the average measurements of the class.
Curated OER
Civil Rights and the Michigan Supreme Court II
Young scholars view a PowerPoint presentation on the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society's Civil Rights and/or the Native American Rights. They write a reaction paper and prepare for a class discussion. They work in groups and...
Curated OER
Public Trust and Confidence
Learners analyze the judiciary system. In this government lesson, students participate in a class discussion on methods to prevent unfairness in the Judicial courts.