The ability to analyze an argument is a skill emphasized by the Common Core standards. Offer your class an opportunity to develop and hone their skills by providing them the testimonies in an Oregon court case. After reading the facts of the situation, high schoolers examine the statements of the accused and the arresting officer. Individuals then adopt the point of view of the police chief, a liberal civil rights leader, a defense psychologist, or the prosecution psychologist, and development an argument that supports an interpretation of the evidence from this point of view.

Common Core

RL.11-12.1 RL.11-12.2 RL.11-12.3 RL.11-12.4 W.11-12.1.a W.11-12.2.a