Presents a sample introductory lesson on the concept of equal protection, differential treatment under law, and legal tests for determining when differential treatment violates the Equal Protection Clause. Recommends using a poster depicting segregated water fountains and contrasting it with the Declaration of Independence to discuss the doctrine…

Presents the opinions of nine professionals serving the justice system on the issue of providing representation in criminal and civil cases for those unable to pay for lawyers. Includes questions about the obligations of lawyers to provide counsel and the differences between legal representation in civil and criminal cases. (CFR)

Presents eight case studies of lawyers who work for legal aid societies or provide free legal services to poor people. Includes quotes by the attorneys describing specific cases and why they became involved in providing free legal counsel. (CFR)

Provides a 32-item annotated bibliography of recommended instructional materials on cultural pluralism, equal protection, and constitutional rights. Includes materials for both students and teachers. Categorizes the 32 items as books, periodicals, computer software, videotapes, and other materials. (CFR)

Presents a secondary school simulation activity to help students understand major concepts underlying affirmative action programs. Includes student objectives and step-by-step instructional procedures. Provides a student handout and supplemental data table. (CFR)

Suggests the use of children's literature to teach about prejudice and discrimination. Provides brief descriptions of stories and books on prejudice, individual differences, and the era when racially separate was considered equal. Recommends adding geography, journal writing, group journals, and class discussions to the readings to teach social…

Outlines class activities to help students understand how the U.S. Supreme Court reaches its decisions and how the decisions change over time. Includes objectives, resources, issues and questions, procedures, and evaluations. Suggests that students will learn the facts and issues of important civil rights cases and form opinions on the decisions.…

Contends that the juvenile court system should be abolished because its paternalistic underpinnings fundamentally are inconsistent with children's rights. Asserts that current theories of human rights are tied to competency, which has been used historically to exclude women and minority groups from the category of rights holders. (CFR)

Asserts that, although legal aid is only one program that provides legal services to poor people, there was a time in U.S. history when people who could not afford a lawyer had no way of solving disputes through the judicial system. Traces the history of legal aid from 1876 through the Great Depression and the Civil Rights movement until the…

Recommends studying Fannie Lou Hamer's work in the civil rights movement of the 1960s to teach students a greater appreciation of the citizen's role in enforcing constitutional rights. Includes a role-playing activity, discussion questions, and a handout on Hamer. Suggests students will recognize the relationship between the Fourteenth Amendment…

Presents a secondary level activity in which students participate in a decision-making activity involving the U.S. legal system and legal aid. Includes lesson objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, and a student handout titled "Examining the Future of Legal Aid Programs." (CFR)

Asserts that tolerance is a fundamental part of democracy. Presents a lesson plan to help students understand tolerance as it applies to homosexuality. Includes student objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, and a student handout featuring Oregon's proposed minority status and Child Protection Act. (CFR)

Asserts that the United States has a long, sad history of discrimination against minority rights. Discusses the origins and history of minority inclusion or affirmative action programs. Includes a special report on the "English Only" movement. (CFR)

Asserts that providing poor people equal access to law is a worldwide problem. Identifies and discusses three systems of legal aid services in nations throughout the world. Includes a vocabulary chart and a special section on justice in South Africa. (CFR)

Maintains that, although courts have ruled that poor people accused of crimes must be provided legal services, most court cases involve civil law. Presents a secondary school lesson in which students review 11 mock civil court cases and decide whether or not free legal counsel should be provided. (CFR)