Organization: American Judicature Society
Website: www.ajs.org/public-education
Title: Court Procedure: A Simulation Game
Description/Objective:
Complete package for twelve lessons on a simulated murder investigation and trial with the objectives of: understanding rights of person accused of a crime; knowing the role of the players in the court system; knowing the provisions of the Bill of Rights that apply to the accused; knowing the influence of the Supreme Court on the process; and understanding courtroom terms.
Lesson Plan:
Yes. Very detailed daily plan for the project including mini-lessons on issues that are involved in the project, grade sheets, questions to students for evaluation of program.
Add’l Docs/Features:
Student handouts with the necessary details of the project, grading information, detailed notes for each role to be played, sample rules of evidence, common objections, and a worksheet to assess knowledge before and after project. The “Official Papers” for the project – arrest warrant, jury summons, search warrant, and subpoenas.
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
Yes. The program includes the information to conduct a mock trial.
Note:
The materials listed for this organization are for 7th and 8th grade. The site has similar materials on these topics for grades 4th-6th and 9th-12th.
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Organization: American Judicature Society
Website: www.ajs.org/public-education
Title: Judicial Independence
Description/Objective:
This is a four-part lesson with the objectives of: learning the three branches of gov’t and the role of each; understanding the concepts of “separation of powers” and “checks and balances” and the role of the court in these systems; understanding how judges make decisions; understanding the concept of “judicial independence,” why it is important; understanding how judges are selected and retained in the federal system and in the state.
Lesson Plan:
Yes. Lesson plan for each of the four parts with basic lecture notes, links to additional resources, list of discussion questions/answers for class, activities and assignments with necessary materials.
Add’l Docs/Features:
Student handouts for the activities and assignments are included.
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
No.
Note:
The materials listed for this organization are for 7th and 8th grade. The site has similar materials on these topics for grades 4th-6th and 9th-12th.
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Organization: American Judicature Society
Website: www.ajs.org/public-education
Title: The Jury System
Description/Objective:
This is a three-part lesson with the objectives of: learn the history and evolution of the jury system and the history of the right to a jury trial; understanding the role citizens play in the judicial system by participating in the jury process; learn the process of “voir dire”; understand the order of a typical trial and the jury’s role; participate in the jury selection process and a mock trial; become more willing and prepared to serve on a jury.
Lesson Plan:
Yes. Lesson plan for each of the four parts with lecture notes, links to additional resources, list of discussion questions/answers for class, activities and assignments with necessary materials.
Add’l Docs/Features:
Student handouts for the activities and assignments are included.
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
Yes. The materials for a mock trial are included. The main focus of the mock trial is the jury selection process.
Note:
The materials listed for this organization are for 7th and 8th grade. The site has similar materials on these topics for grades 4th-6th and 9th-12th.
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Organization: Constitutional Rights Foundation
Website: www.crf-usa.org/programs/crf-programs.html
Title: From the Courtroom to the Classroom: Learning About Law
Description/Objective:
This program brings judges and attorneys to the classroom for PowerPoint driven lessons and moot court activities. Objective of this lesson is to provide basic information to prepare the students for the activity with the judges/attorneys of preparing to argue an appellate case. The materials the judges/attorneys are provided is not accessible online.
Lesson Plan:
PowerPoint Intro Presentation is accessible online. It provide basic information on the difference between criminal and civil cases and trials, outlines the basic steps of an appeal, and ends with a quiz. (Tab A)
Add’l Docs/Features:
Student Handbook with information provided in the PowerPoint. “Bar Exam” for students – a ten question quiz on the lesson. (Tab B)
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
No.
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Organization: Constitutional Rights Foundation
Website: www.crf-usa.org/programs/crf-programs.html
Title: Appellate Court Experience
Description/Objective:
This program brings judges and attorneys to the classroom for PowerPoint driven lessons and moot court activities. This is a three session program with the objectives being: to identify the organization and jurisdiction of federal and state courts (California) and the interrelationships among them; explain the differences between appeal and trial courts, particularly that trial courts are responsible for findings of fact and appeal courts only deal with issues of law; identify basic parts of the appellate court process; state the facts and issues of a particular case before the court; and discuss and form a reasoned opinion of the case.
Lesson Plan:
Yes. Materials are provided for each session. PowerPoint Intro Presentation is accessible online. (Tab A) It provides a basic overview of the appellate court process. (Tab B)
Add’l Docs/Features:
Student handouts for each session. The second session of the program involves a field trip to hear an argument at the appellate court. The third sessions involves knowing the outcome of the case that the students saw argued.
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
Yes, but it is without much instruction, more of a short reenactment of the argument they saw.
Note:
This organization has a mock trial program, but the materials must be purchased. There are many “cases” to choose from and they include a student handbook with instructions for jury selection, opening and closing arguments, examination, and deliberation; role descriptions for all the involved parties; a complete mock trial with cases facts, witness statements and detailed teacher instructions; a complete lesson plan.
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Organization: Constitutional Rights Foundation
Website: www.crf-usa.org/programs/crf-programs.html
Title: Courts in the Classroom: An Interactive Journey Into Civics
Description/Objective:
Web-based program for introduction of basic concepts about constitutional democracy and the role of the third branch of government.
Lesson Plan:
Yes. There is a Resource Guide outlining the information on the videos and to aid in discussion.
Add’l Docs/Features:
The interactive web based program has four segments: The Big Ideas (slide show with comic book graphics on topics of Privacy, Free Expression, Symbolic Speech, Censorship, Courts, Due Process, Laws, and Checks and Balances); The Third Branch (cartoon video with information about judges and courts); Landmark Cases (Slide show with comic book graphics on multiple cases regarding the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments and on Checks and Balances); and a quiz covering the topics.
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
No.
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Organization: California Courts
Website: www.courts.ca.gov/programs-lawrelated.htm
Title: Importance of an Impartial Judiciary
Description/Objective:
PowerPoint that uses a sports analogy to describe the role of the courts, and provides historical context and information about the role of the judiciary and impartiality.
Lesson Plan:
The notes section of the PowerPoint provides a complete guide for the presentation.
Add’l Docs/Features:
This PowerPoint was designed for young adults, but it has been so successful with adult audiences so the court now presents this version to everyone.
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
No
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Organization: iCivics
Website: www.icivics.org
Title: The Judicial Branch
Description/Objective:
Objective is to teach students about the federal and state courts. The program explores the courts’ role in fairly settling disputes and administering justice, and the role of the U.S. Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution.
Lesson Plan:
Yes. There is a lesson plan for each segment that outlines the time and materials needed, the objective of the lesson, and supplies the necessary student handouts and directions for activities. The Lesson Plan provides step by step instructions.
Add’l Docs/Features:
Student handouts and activity sheets, puzzles, etc. for each segment. Interactive games available online for each segment also – but not necessary for the lesson. Students can register for free to play the online games.
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
Yes. There are basic mock trial exercises and there are interactive online games where you assume the role of juror, counsel, judge, legislator, and president.
Note:
Teachers must register online to access the resources. Students must register to play the online games.
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Organization: The Florida Joint Center for Citizenship
Website: www.floridacitizen.org/resources/middle/curriculum
Title: Overview of the US and its Federal Government
Description/Objective:
Objective is to introduce students to the judicial branch, familiarize them with the role of the Supreme Court and the qualities that are important in Judges and Justices, and to research and summarize landmark Supreme Court Cases in a five lesson program.
Lesson Plan:
Yes. Detailed lesson plan with strategies, list of needed materials, and activities. (Tab A)
Add’l Docs/Features:
Student handouts with information, assignments, puzzles, games, and grading information. (Tab B)
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
No.
Note:
Adapted from iCivics. A teacher must register on the site to access these resources.
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Organization: National Center for State Courts
Website: www.ncsc.org/education-and-carerrs/civis-education
Title: Justice Case Files: A Graphic Novel Series
(The Case of Internet Piracy (Tab B); The Case of Stolen Identity(Tab C); The Case of Jury Duty (Tab C); The Case of the Broken Controller (Tab E)).
Description/Objective:
Objective is to educate how the courts work, giving insight into how judges make decisions, how the courts protect the public, and why courts are so important. Information is presented in three comic book style “novels” and a coloring book.
Lesson Plan:
Yes. There are extensive lesson plans for each of the three “novels” that include varied materials to be incorporated depending on age of students (6th-12th) – from standard worksheets to field trips. (Tab A)
Add’l Docs/Features:
Student handouts with information, worksheets, crossword puzzles, scenario worksheets to prompt discussions, role playing exercises, essay questions, and a research projects.
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
No.
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Organization: New Hampshire Bar Association
Website: www.nhbar.org/law-related-education
Title: Overview of American Legal System
Description/Objective:
Objectives are to provide an appreciation of the American justice system; an understanding of the role of law in a democratic society; reasoning, analytical and oral advocacy skills through the application of civility; an understanding of responsible citizenship; an understanding of courtroom procedures and the roles of the parties; how to analyze a case and prepare for trial; and how to have fun while developing team unity and an understanding of the law.
Lesson Plan:
No. The definitions and information are provided. (Tab A) The information is to be used for elementary through high school, so teachers are to supplement or eliminate materials as appropriate.
Add’l Docs/Features:
N/A
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
Yes. There is a handbook for mock trial. (Tab B) It is materials from New Hampshire’s state competition in 2005 and includes the case for mock trial (Tab C), instructions on how to proceed, rules of evidence, scoring information, and follow-up questions for the class.
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Organization: Scholastic
Website: www.scholastic.com
Title: Justice by the People
Description/Objective:
Separate lessons on the jury system and preparing for trial with the objective of educating students on the importance of the jury system and its importance to the rule of law and the process of jury selection.
Lesson Plan:
Yes. Lesson plans for each segment contain time element, objective, essential question, necessary materials, detailed directions for activities, and additional assignments.
Add’l Docs/Features:
Student handouts for vocabulary and activities – worksheets on juror selection, decision by group, and objections during trial.
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
Yes – web based mock trial. Instructions included for interactive courtroom trial simulation where students control the action in a television-like trial. www.makeyourcasegame.com. This is the same program outlined at Tab 6.
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Organization: Washington State Court Program
Website: www.courts.wa.gov/education/lessons
Title: Judges in the Classroom
Description/Objective:
Six lessons with the objectives of identifying the levels of and differences in the court within the judicial system; analyzing conflicts and elements of conflict resolution; identifying the purpose and function of law and analyzing practical applications; and identify roles and terms in the trial process and the major steps in a trial. (Tab A)
Lesson Plan:
Yes. Lesson plans provide objectives, time element, materials needed, and procedure.
Add’l Docs/Features:
Student handouts of information and for activities.
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
Yes. A scripted mock trial is included with the materials. (Tab B)
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Organization: The Supreme Court of Texas
Website: www.tx.us.courts.gov
Title: From Courtroom to Classroom: Mock Oral Arguments
Description/Objective:
Objective is to inform students about how a lawsuit reaches and is resolved in the Supreme Court of Texas.
Lesson Plan:
Yes. Lesson plan outline for each segment of the four segment program.
Add’l Docs/Features:
Student handout of information and terminology, case information and sample questions and arguments, and a quiz.
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
Yes. A moot court script is provided with worksheets for the students to use in preparing their arguments, questions for the attorneys, and instructions for deliberating.
Note:
These materials are for middle school students. There is also a version for high school students.
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Organization: Florida Supreme Court
Website: www.floridasupremecourt.org
Title: From Courtroom to Classroom
Description/Objective:
Objective is to provide an educational program to 7th graders that will inspire and spark interest in the state and the country’s justice system. The format is a four day program with the first two days focusing on trial procedure, court personnel and familiarizing students with mock cases. The students take on the roles of the attorneys, witnesses and jurors. The third day involves an attorney, judge or court staff guest speaker if possible to provide instruction on evidence and objections. Day four is the presentation of the mini mock trial on a fieldtrip to a courtroom if possible. There is optional curriculum provided to expand the program to include constitutional rights, the independent judiciary, state courts system, and judicial decision making.
Lesson Plan:
Yes. A detailed lesson plan for each day is provided with definitions, list of necessary materials, time elements, and activities with answers. Additional lesson plans are included to expand the program with optional lessons. Instructions for the guest speaker are also included.
Add’l Docs/Features:
Student handouts are provided with the necessary information, worksheets, and scripts.
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
Yes. The program educates and prepare the students to conduct a mock trial. A basic script is provided with suggestions for witness questions and guidelines for closing arguments and jury instructions. Handouts include information on objections, juror biography forms, jury observation sheets, witness statements, stipulated facts, and verdict form.
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Organization: Florida Supreme Court
Website: www.floridasupremecourt.org
Title: Mock Oral Argument Experience
Description/Objective:
Program allows students to act out an oral argument using a hypothetical case as the justices, attorneys, the clerk, and the marshall. This program is included within an educational tour of the court.
Lesson Plan:
Yes. There is a manual for the volunteer to conduct the tour of the court and provide information on the history, the justices, the judicial branch, jurisdiction, and the current court to the students. Complete instructions are in the manual for the volunteer to conduct the mock oral argument. It is advised that the students have already participated in the mock trial program. A sheet of information is provided to the teachers to prepare the students. The teacher is allowed to choose the mock case to be argued and the scripted materials are provided at the court.
Add’l Docs/Features:
N/A
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
Yes. The teacher is allowed to choose the mock case to be argued and the scripted materials are provided at the court. Complete instructions for the argument are included in the volunteer packet.
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Organization: Texas Law-Related Education
Website: www.texaslre.org/games
Title: The Pick Twelve Game (Tab A), Objection Your Honor Game (Tab B), All Rise Game (Tab C)
Description/Objective: Interactive online games to educate students on the judicial system.
Lesson Plan:
No.
Add’l Docs/Features:
N/A
Mock Trial/Moot Court:
No, except for the trial elements associated with the games.
The website does offer a book for purchase, Order in the Court, which is aimed at secondary students. It is a teacher’s guide with lessons that provide step by step activities to help students analyze and prepare to conduct mock trials.