Is it illegal to lie about military service? Discuss the ways the First Amendment affects the Stolen Valor Act with a lesson that focuses on the Supreme Court case U.S. v. Alvarez. As high schoolers learn more about the history of the Stolen Valor Act and Xavier Alvarez's conviction for claiming to have received the Congressional Medal of Honor as a US Marine, they analyze the Supreme Court's decision with a mock trial and peer discussion.

Concepts

supreme court cases, the supreme court, the separation of powers, the legislative branch, the executive branch, the judicial branch

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Have learners review the materials before coming to class the next day
• Include in a social studies unit about the Bill of Rights

Classroom Considerations

• Ensure that class members are capable of having a mature discussion about controversial topics
• Links within the resource don't work, but all materials are attached

Pros

• Promotes critical thinking and discussion skills
• Includes all necessary materials, including reading passages and reference sheets

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.11-12.8 SL.9-10.1.a SL.11-12.1.a RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.2 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2