A Civil Action

The deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and Tamir Rice, and the protests that followed the 2014 shootings, are the focus of a current-events activity that asks class members to brainstorm and research possible strategies to address the...

Learners 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...

Young scholars explore the implications of the Gettysburg Address. For this Civil War lesson, students read a handout regarding Gettysburg Address, analyze an excerpt of the speech, and complete the provided worksheet activities.

Students read to understand the process of lawmaking.  In this lawmaking instructional activity, students define vocabulary and create an organizer showing the law making process.  Students role play the various people involved in the...

Which is worse: imprisoning someone for committing a crime, or intimidating someone into following the law? A short video introduces the main ideas of Michel Foucault's Discipline and Punish, including his perceptions of the dangers...

Students investigate hate crime legislation. In this hate crime lesson plan, students examine the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act Students explore the fine between hate crime legislation and First ...

Students are introduced to six victims of a crime. They role play characters in the scenario and discuss feelings as the scene unfolds. Through brainstorming and role playing strategies, they increase their understanding of the rights of...

The Black Codes and Jim Crow Laws were rules that served the same purpose: to restrict the rights of African Americans. Young historians watch performers read Black Code laws from different states to explain how African Americans were...

Learners discuss reasons for the increase in violent crime across the country. They examine the factors to which increases in violent crime can be attributed. Students brainstorm consequences of the forces that have led to the decrease...

Popular culture often portrays the Feds as the most fearsome of law enforcement agencies. Yet, someone charged with a crime is considerably more likely to end up in a state court. The lesson, one of six covering the Organization of the...