Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Judges in the Classroom - Mock Trials

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students conduct a mock trial and follow established procedures role-playing attorneys, witnesses, judges, bailiffs, etc. Students examine documents, present arguments and decide a case in which a sea lion is on trial for eating fish.
Activity
Other

Differences Between Civil and Criminal Law in the Usa

For Students 9th - 10th
This website provides a well-organized introduction to the differences between civil and criminal law. Addresses topics such as "punishment," "burden of proof," "protections for criminal defendants" and "ignorance of the law." Examples...
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: A Courtroom in the Classroom

For Teachers 3rd
[Free Registration/Login Required] A literary text about a teacher named Miss Blake who decided to teach her students about court by creating a courtroom role-play. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading...