Why is it important for judges to operate independently of politics or other branches of government? Scholars ponder the question as they examine video clips, case studies, excerpts of the US Constitution, and an interactive computer game. To finish the exercise, they decide why it's important for courts to remain impartial.

Concepts

the judicial branch, the judicial system, court cases, courts, constitutional law, civil law, the criminal justice system, checks and balances, the united states constitution

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Have learners evaluate fictional case studies and discuss the role of judicial independence

Classroom Considerations

• Third and final lesson in the Organization of the Federal Courts series
  
• Lesson presumes pupils have some familiarity with the court system, as well as the the Federalist Papers

Pros

• A variety of activities are easy to adapt or use as a whole lesson
• Interactive nature of computer game and diversity of learning modalities make the lesson plan appealing to a variety of individuals

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.6-8.1 RH.6-8.2 RH.6-8.10 RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.2 RH.9-10.10 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.10