DocsTeach
Alfred Sinker and the Writ of Habeas Corpus in 1861
Scholars learn how the judicial system treated under-age Civil War soldiers using historical analysis. The resource uses court documents to help historians understand why Habeas Corpus was used in the case of Alfred Sinker and why he was...
Curated OER
An "Unconstitutional" Act? The Suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus
Students explore the implications of habeas corpus. In this Civil War lesson, students analyze the writ of habeas corpus by Lincoln during the war. Students examine primary sources from Lincoln and Chief Justice Taney. Students design...
Curated OER
Debates Over Suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus
Eighth graders study the concept of Habeas Corpus. In this Civil War lesson, 8th graders research the reasons for and against suspending the writ of habeas corpus. Students analyze various documents.
Curated OER
Habeas Corpus and“Enemy Combatants”
Students explore the implications of habeus corpus. In this habeus corpus lesson, students participate in reader's theatre activity regarding the origin of habeus corpus. Students then investigate the Hamdi v. Rumsfeld case and determine...
Curated OER
Andrew Jackson and the Use of Martial Law and the Suspension of Habeas Corpus
Students explore the use of martial law at the Battle of New Orleans. In this Andrew Jackson lesson plan, students analyze primary documents pertaining to the move by Jackson to use martial law in the battle. Students then consider...
Project Tahoe
Individual Rights vs. The Greater Good Within the Scope of War
When, if ever, is the government justified in restricting individual rights? When, if ever, should the "greater good" trump individual rights? To prepare to discuss this hot-button topic, class members examine primary source documents,...
Curated OER
Lincoln and the "Writ of Liberty"
Students debate and explore the rationale and ethics behind Lincoln's 19th century suspension of habeas corpus - the 'writ of liberty' and answer related questions.
Curated OER
Lambdin Milligan and the Writ of Habeas Corpus
High schoolers research the case of Lambdin Milligan, a confederate supporter who was sentenced to death in Indiana during the time of the Civil War. They investigate the need to suspend civil liberties during the time of war.
Curated OER
"Martial Law in Hawaii After the Attack on Pearl Harbor"
Students explore the concepts of martial law, writ of habeas corpus, due process, discovery and human and constitutional rights during World War II. They assess the roles and responsibilities of government leaders and citizens during...
Curated OER
The Christmas Train to Ft. Lincoln
High schoolers solve the mysteries of why Karl Vogt and Erich Braemer were on the Christmas Train. They review the definitions of the terms constitutional, human rights, due process, discovery, and the writ of habeas corpus. They review...
Curated OER
World War II Alien Enemy Control Program
Students review the history and language of the Alien Enemies Act, the meaning of writs of habeas corpus, and the various amendments to the Constitution covering issues of due process. They know how national security measures collide...
Curated OER
Good Brother, Bad Brother
Studetns study how biographers create characters and history of individuals in biographies. They complete a variety of writting activities to demonstrate understanding.
Friends of Fort McHenry
Baltimore – Caught in the Middle
Choosing sides is no easy matter, and this was certainly true for the citizens of Baltimore in the beginning stages of the Civil War. Using video, group analysis of several primary sources, and discussion, this detailed and thorough...
Heritage Foundation
Crime and Punishment
You wouldn't give someone a 10-day timeout for eating a piece of candy. The US government, too, does not believe in unreasonable punishment. A variety of exercises exploring the clauses of the US Constitution prompts class members to...
Curated OER
Lincoln, Emancipation, and the Constitution
Students determine how President Lincoln promoted emancipation. In this slavery lesson, students examine primary documents, including the U.S. Constitution, to reconstruct Lincoln's attempts to end slavery and deliver the Emancipation...
Curated OER
Essentials of the US Constitution
Young scholars determine how the content of the U.S. Government enables the U.S. Government to function. They examine the roles and functions of the three branches of government and how the separation of powers and checks and balances...
Curated OER
Participating in Democracy
Students analyze film clips in class. In this democracy lesson, students identify the differences between civil liberties, democracy and freedom. Students view a video regarding Japanese internment and answer study questions as well as...
Curated OER
The Home Front (Circa 1863)
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this American Civil War instructional activity, students examine sources and then write personal accounts of the war.
Curated OER
Good Brother, Bad Brother
Students are exposed to the writings of John Wilkes Booth. They discover that fanaticism is not just a modern phenomenon. They examine four periods in American history when treason was at issue.
Curated OER
Wartime and the Bill of Rights: The Korematsu Case
Twelfth graders work together in groups to examine the discrimation Japanese Americans felt after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Using primary source documents, they analyze and discuss the case of Fred Korematsu who was placed in an...
Curated OER
Wartime and the Bill of Rights: The Korematsu Case (Lesson 2)
Twelfth graders review how the government and Bill of Rights came into effect. Using primary source documents, they discuss if Japanese rights were violated when they were placed in internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. ...