Offers two strategies for preparing students for courtroom observation field trips. The strategies involve using the newspaper and structured observation. Both are illustrated with several examples. Included is a list of tips on court visits. (JDH)

Offers tips to teachers on presenting the concept of due process in the classroom. Activities involve students in a variety of activities, including recognition and definition exercises, case studies, legislative drafting, and a mock administrative hearing. (DB)

Examines the ideas of justice, equality, and property as they are represented in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Discusses how these ideas affect the way public schools operate and the lessons educators teach or don't teach about our society. Includes ideas for classroom activities. (JDH)

Designed to assist teachers of students in grades 10-12 who wish to use the newspaper as a supplemental tool in law-related education, this guide provides model lessons demonstrating ways in which the daily newspaper can enhance textbook material. Although the guide is based on ongoing law-related education programs in St. Louis Public Schools, it…

Provides a lesson intended to stimulate students' interest in the concept of justice and to focus attention on how the U.S. Constitution protects and promotes justice. (JDH)

Presents a lesson on capital punishment for juveniles based on three hypothetical cases. The goal of the lesson is to have students understand the complexities of decisions regarding the death penalty for juveniles. (JDH)

Involves upper elementary students in a problem-solving activity that raises questions about who should have the right to a lawyer in a criminal case. Students discuss the importance of the right to due process in a criminal proceeding as well as in other situations. Defines due process and includes a handout on protections in the Bill of Rights.…

Intended to help teachers of law-related education direct student's critical thinking by examining case studies in everyday newspapers, this booklet contains seven activities suitable for use with intermediate and secondary students. By examining daily newspapers and participating in the activities, students (1) determine ways in which the law…

Designed to assist teachers of students in grades 5-7 who wish to use the newspaper as a supplemental tool in law-related education, this guide provides model lessons demonstrating ways in which the daily newspaper can enhance textbook material. Although the guide is based on ongoing law-related education programs in the St. Louis Public Schools,…

A guide for secondary school social studies teachers provides materials suitable for a 10-week course on law or individual lessons on specific topics which may be covered in the social studies curriculum. Material is organized according to topics. Topic I, "What Is Law?" contains lessons on defining law, reasons for writing laws, and the…

Presents Clarence Earl Gideon's petition for counsel as a primary source document to be used in social studies units on the Bill of Right's Sixth Amendment. Examines the constitutional issues of due process and right to counsel. Outlines teaching activities that develop vocabulary and analyzes Gideon v. Wainwright as a case study. (CH)

The goals of this learning packet are to: (1) increase understanding of the Soviet system; (2) enhance appreciation of U.S. constitutionally guaranteed rights; and (3) inform students of how governmental policies of both nations are reflected in the lives of ordinary people. The 17 reproducible lessons are designed to present: (1) the philosophy…

Reviews constitutional principles and case law in three areas of U.S. society where black Americans have made efforts to effect change. Specific changes are for fairness in education, the abolition of capital punishment, and the prohibition of discrimination against the poor. (JDH)

Introduces a lesson designed to help students understand the role that each branch of the federal government can take in redressing the impact of past discrimination while protecting the rights of individuals whose opportunities may be limited by an affirmative action program. The lesson is based on a case study and includes student handouts. (JDH)

This curriculum unit focuses on individual and personal freedoms as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and as interpreted by the courts. In particular, the unit which includes illustrated student materials and a teacher's guide, underscores the idea of fundamental rights as expressed through the concepts of liberty, justice, and equality. Through…