Texas Instruments
The Determinant of a Matrix
Students calculate the determinant. In this algebra lesson, students find the determinant and use to calculate the area of a triangle. They calculate the area of a quadrilateral in a plane.
Curated OER
Who Decides Who Dies?
Students explore various state laws concerning capital punishment and conduct a mock meeting of the United States Congress to set standards for the death penalty.
Curated OER
I Didn't Do It! (Is Anyone guilty Anymore?)
Students explore the concept of "reasonable doubt" in our criminal court system and compare it to "preponderance of the evidence" in the civil court system. They discuss the trials of OJ Simpson and other historical criminal defendants.
Curated OER
Writing Police Reports
Learners discover police procedures by filling out crime reports. In this government activity, students discuss the benefits of historical reports pertaining to criminals and victims. Learners listen to an officer of the law speak in...
Curated OER
Forensic Detectives: Mysteries and Solutions
Middle schoolers examine forensic science. For this video based lesson, students examine the tools and techniques of forensic science. They write a report about a fictional crime scene from the Discovery video.
Curated OER
Citizen Juries: Zacarias Moussaoui - May 1, 2006
Students consider deliberations by juries. In this citizen jury lesson plan, students complete readings regarding the constitutional right to a trial by jury as well as on the civic responsibility to serve on a jury.
Curated OER
Police Arrest MySpace Users
Young scholars research the background of websites, MySpace and FaceBook. In groups, they interview local experts about Internet crimes. They investigate what their school's policy is and write a news feature how local schools are...
Curated OER
Hodgson v. Minnesota
High schoolers investigate the role of and develop opinions of the court in weighing competing interests in making decisions. They examine the power of the courts and legislature to regulate constitutional rights.
Utah State Courts
Judges in the Classroom
Class members explore the process of a disposition hearing for juveniles, particularly looking at how the judge decides what sentence the juvenile offender should receive. Task your pupils with evaluating different sample cases provided...
PBS
Using Primary Sources: The Rogue's Gallery
What would be in your life's scrapbook? Scholars use short video clips, primary and secondary documents, and photos to investigate a 1909 scrapbook. They analyze and uncover what the Rogue Book tells them about the past in Western...
Curated OER
Checks on Presidential Power
Students examine presidential powers. For this checks and balances lesson, students identify the constitutional and informal restraints of the president and consider the reasons for the limitations.
Curated OER
State v. Russell, Minnesota Supreme Court
High schoolers examine the impact of court decisions. In this Minnesota Supreme Court lesson, students read the State v. Russell case study regarding cocaine drug use. High schoolers take notes on the case and respond to discussion...
Curated OER
Teens on Trial
Students read about the public reaction to the conviction of Alex and Derek King, and explore the issue of child offenders being tried and sentenced as adults. They compose letters to Florida Governor Jeb Bush, outlining their opinion on...
Curated OER
Justice for All? Debating the Fairness of the Juvenile Justice System
Students discuss treatment of young people by the criminal justice system and debate whether or not that treatment is fair.
Curated OER
Mediation/Conciliation
Twelfth graders discuss the court system in Japan, and assume roles of family members and friends of air crash victims. They discuss whether they would file suit against airlines, compare methods of achieving justice in United States and...
Curated OER
Why Juveniles Commit Crimes
Young scholars examine the reasons why juveniles commit crimes. As a class, they watch movies showing juveniles committing crims and discuss the impact on societies. They take a field trip to adult and juvenile courts and compare their...
Curated OER
Is it Legal? - The Judicial System
Fourth graders explore the judicial branch of government; in particular, Florida's judicial branch of government.
Curated OER
When Marriage is a Crime
High schoolers compare and contrast forced marriages with arranged marriages. For this current events lesson, students examine legislation regarding forced marriages and then debate the forced marriage law in Britain.
Curated OER
A "Clear and Present Danger"
Learners define what is meant by clear and present danger. In this First Amendment lesson plan, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the Sedition Act of 1798. Learners consider the...
Curated OER
Children and the Death Penalty
Learners examine how different countries deal with juvenile offenders. Using the internet, they research what offenses are punishable by death and how the laws protect students. They interview local authorities and discuss possible...
Curated OER
Cybercrooks lure citizens into international crime
Young scholars fill in a graphic organizer about suspicious websites and why they should stay away from them. In this website lesson plan, students read about crime on the Internet, and how these cybercrooks steal identities. Young...
Curated OER
Parental Accountability and Public Policy
Students investigate parental responsibility for the actions of their Students. They compare the responsibility in the State of Washington and the rest of the country.
Curated OER
Theories of Crime and Punishment
Students examine goals of two major theories of punishment, Utilitarian Theory and Retributive Theory, develop opinions about ethics and effectiveness of both theories, define legal duties of prosecutors and public defenders, and discuss...
Curated OER
Tort Liability: Mock Trial
Young scholars explore the trial process and the tort concept of host liability.