Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is Due Process Anyway?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the term due process and its historical origins. They compare and constrast the requirements of due process in the United States Constitution and the Indiana Constitution. They also discuss the difference between...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Changing Meaning of "Due Process"

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the United States Constitution and how the application for due process differs in two amendments. They research the changing definition of the term since the Civil War. They use the internet to research press coverage of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Courts in the Classroom: Ritter v Stanton

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Young scholars read the case briefs of Ritter v Stanton. They simulate the trial with classmates taking various parts such as appellant, appellee, bailiff, and justices. After conducting a mock argument, they write their own opinion for...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oral Arguments Online

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers participate in their own mock oral arguments. They create their own opinions and discuss any opposing opinions. They write their own opinion for a case to end the lesson.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Can I Have a Jury Trial?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the difference between a jury trial and a bench trial. They discuss any protections that the Indiana and United States Constitution offers its citizens. They use the internet to research any current press of jury trials.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ira Ritter, Et Al., V. Jerry And Ruth Stanton Lesson 2: What Does a Jury Do Anyway?

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Young scholars investigate how a jury is chosen, and what the rights and responsibilities of juries are. They examine case studies to determine the role of the jury in both criminal and civil cases.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Perspectives on Civil Rights

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine speeches of the Civil Rights Era. In this American history lesson, students listen to speeches delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy. Students respond to guiding questions as they listen to the...
Handout
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: Article Iii: Organizations of Court, Tenure, & Compensation

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource covers Article III, Section 1, which focuses on the judicial branch of the United States government.
Activity
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: Article Iii: Judicial Power

For Students 9th - 10th
Annotations to Article III on the characteristics and attributes of judicial power as related to specific Supreme Court decisions. The author distinguishes between judicial power and jurisdiction.
Article
Center For Civic Education

Center for Civic Education: Relationship of State and National Legal Systems

For Students 9th - 10th
This lengthy essay describes the balance between state and federal judiciary courts and touches on independence, integration, power limits and immunities.
Website
Other

Federal Judicial Center: What the Federal Courts Do

For Students 9th - 10th
U.S. government-sponsored site that provides excellent information on the distinction between civil law and criminal law. It is part of a larger website that is dedicated to explaining the workings of the federal judicial system....
Website
Other

Constitutional Court or Spain: Tribunal Constitucional

For Students 9th - 10th
The Constitutional Tribunal is a part of the Judicial Branch of the government. This Tribunal oversees that the political leaders and the laws uphold the Constitution of Bolivia. The website provides brief information about the number of...
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Federal Judiciary of the United States

For Students 9th - 10th
This Wikipedia entry on the Federal government of the United States gives detailed information on each aspect of the judiciary branch.