Curated OER
To Protect And Serve? Debating Police Misconduct And Reform
Students discuss purpose of law enforcement, its relationship to the community it serves, and ways to combat police misconduct.
Curated OER
The Supremes
Students discuss steps cases go through to reach Supreme Court, examine Bill of Rights, and rank rights in order of importance to them. Students then research Supreme Court case dealing with one of first ten amendments, and write about...
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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...
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Correctional Facility Reading
Students complete an independent reading program. In this "Reading for Giving Program" created for students in correctional facilities, students spend time reading independently and responding to the book they read. Please note: Although...
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Criminal Law -- Miranda
Students examine the law and the Miranda rights. They role play members of law enforcement and ones being arrested.
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Dude, Where's My Karma?
Students research various aspects of Indian culture. They create a Book of Knowledge about India. In a second activity they research the history behind any game. They make presentations and play the different games during Game Day.
Advocates for Human Rights
Mock Immigration Court
As part of a unit study of immigration, class members participate in a mock Immigration Court activity in which they argue four cases before an immigration judge.
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American Revolution
While just an outline for an exploration of the American Revolution, this lesson could be augmented to provide a richer experience. The activity calls for learners to discuss the Declaration of Independence, study Paul Revere's midnight...
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US Constitution
Think about the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence with your budding historians. They analyze the importance of historical documents by examining several famous documents, and then they complete activities that check...
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What Makes a Good Law?
Why were laws created? Spark a group discussion on why we need laws to co-exist. Should the sale of some things be outlawed on Sundays? Read a case summary between Target and the state of Minnesota that debated this issue. Ask your...
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Hopi Tribal Council
Focusing on the differences between traditional Hopi government and the Hopi Tribal Council, this resource is a good addition to your unit on Native American culture. Learners conduct Internet research, analyze primary source photos, and...
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The Preamble to the Constitution: How Do You Make a More Perfect Union?
Students analyze the Preamble of the Constitution and identify the historical context that led to its wording. They, in groups, interpret phrases from the Preamble, examine relevant court cases and create illustrations for their portion...
Teaching Tolerance
Racial Profiling
Racial Profiling. Class members chart what they know and what they want to know about this hot-button topic.
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The Supreme Court: The Judicial Power of the United States
Students investigate some basic facts about the Supreme Court by examining the United States Constitution and one of the landmark cases decided by that court. The operation of the Supreme Court forms the focus of the lesson.
School Improvement in Maryland
Analysis of Marbury v. Madison
Should the United States Supreme Court have the power of judicial review? Instructors guide class members through a review of Marbury v. Madison and assist class members in writing a brief of the case. As independent practice,...
Brown University
The Candidates and Their Values: Election 2016
Voting for the next president of the United States is about finding the candidate who most closely aligns with your own values and sense of democracy. High schoolers become acquainted with the candidates from the 2016 election with a...
Curated OER
The Sentencing Activity
Students simulate a trial where a crime has been committed and a judge decides on the sentencing. In this trial lesson plan, students discuss why boys and girls may view crimes differently.
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Testing DNA and the Death Penalty
Learners explore issues surrounding death penalty debate and participate in a values-clarification activity to help them form their opinions on this topic. They create a talk show to discuss issues involved with DNA testing and the death...
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Torts: Intentional Torts
Students are introduced to the concept of intentional torts. In groups, they compare and contrast civil and criminal wrongs committed by people. They are given case studies and use the elements of torts to apply to them. They share their...
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Children and the Death Penalty
Students 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...
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Diversity
Eleventh graders research the meaning of diversity and human rights in various countries. In this Social Studies lesson, 11th graders reflect on the aspects that can negatively affect First Nations people, then select a country...
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Respect
Young scholars, in groups, exchange their opinions and experiences on issues around respect and anti-social behavior. They come up with approaches to youth crime prevention and discuss and present their own solutions.
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Search & Seizure Opinion Poll
Students examine federal and state constitutional law relating to search and seizure. They analyze various scenarios, participate in an opinion poll, and discuss difficulties in balancing individual privacy rights with the need to fight...
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The Power of Persuasion
Ninth graders examine the use of corporal punishment in Canada. In groups, they make their own advertisement trying to persuade others to support or disagree with the practice. They also write a persuasive essay and draw an image...