What's the difference between civil and criminal law? How do the court proceedings differ in these two types of trials? How do the standards of proof differ? Why do these differences exist? As part of their examination of the US court system, class members investigate US court proceedings.

Concepts

the criminal justice system, civil law, constitutional law

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Rather than using a lecture lesson format, have groups research civil and criminal proceedings and present their findings

Classroom Considerations

• The ninth in a series of 19 resources that examine aspects of the US government

Pros

• The five-page resource includes a brief plan and teacher resource sheets that detail the court proceedings for civil and criminal cases

Cons

• Provides no scaffolding for the research portion of the activity