Engages secondary students in an analysis of individual rights issues decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Provides an outline and a "test" to evaluate a law or government action, giving students objective criteria to guide their reasoned opinions. Emphasizes the need for a reasonable and rational method to analyze the law. (LS)

Presents, as a complement to the essay, "Frontier Justice versus the Rule of Law," a lesson plan for teaching about intolerance. Sets out objectives, procedures, discussion questions, and a hypothetical case for role playing. Includes suggestions for using local history. Proposes a "what if" exercise based upon the…

Outlines an upper elementary lesson in which students examine the judicial branch and the power of judicial review. Uses an actual case, "Torcaso v. Watkins," to demonstrate how the U.S. Supreme Court used its power of judicial review to strike down an unconstitutional state law. Provides discussion questions and optional activities. (LS)

Using a simulation of the constitutional procedures on appointment of U.S. Supreme Court justices, illustrates how the separation of powers established by the Constitution affects all three branches of government. Provides an outline of the simulation procedure, a lesson plan, and a brief bibliography. (LS)

Provides a lesson plan to involve students in classroom discussions of controversial issues. Includes such topics as the right to privacy, writs of assistance, and searching without a warrant. Provides an outline of a role-playing activity for students to use in the presentation of their arguments. (NL)

Provides a lesson plan on the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the imposition of the death penalty. Focuses on the controversy concerning capital punishment and stimulates critical thinking in an analysis and discussion of eight hypothetical situations. Includes suggestions for readings, videotapes, and writing assignments. (NL)

Presents a learning activity in which students compare their state constitution's bill of rights with the federal Bill of Rights. Provides a chart for identifying comparisons of enumerated rights. Includes background information and explains objectives and procedures. (CH)

Outlines a three-part lesson designed to explore ethical issues, emphasizing ethical considerations inherent in the practice of law. Presents, first, a way to discuss the Pete Rose case; second, situations that bring ethical issues closer to the student; and, third, an examination of legal ethical issues such as the attorney-client privilege. (DB)

Presents a lesson plan from the Alberta (Canada) Education Curriculum on ethics for upper elementary or middle school students designed to take two class periods. Outlines materials and procedures involved. Identifies these instructional goals: (1) define "code" and relate the concept to standards of behavior; and (2) draft a code of…

Describes a lesson plan that examines the needs and benefits of moral behavior standards that extend beyond the strictly "legal." Procedures include a guided discussion concerning legal but reprehensible actions (participating in destructive gossip). Informative handouts precede moving the discussion to a more global perspective. (MJP)

Presents a two-day lesson from the Alberta (Canada) Education Curriculum for upper elementary or middle school students designed to explore ethical decisions when confronted with value conflicts. Outlines goals, materials, and procedures. Indicates instructional objectives are analysis of conflicts in terms of moral and ethical values; and…

Describes a lesson plan that utilizes stories and quotes to facilitate a discussion concerning behavior and character. Students chose material that illustrates certain character traits (fairness and justice, respect). A worksheet assignment contains relevant and stimulating questions. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that accentuates honesty as a central tenet of moral behavior. The first handout requires written answers to open-ended questions based on the students' personal convictions. Subsequent handouts contain quotes, arguments, and "Six Reasons for Being Honest." A class discussion follows. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan from the Alberta (Canada) Education Curriculum on ethics for upper elementary or middle school students, designed to be completed in four class periods. Outlines instructional goals, materials, and procedures. Objectives are that students will be able to list qualities of a good person, identify standards of right and wrong,…

Describes a service learning project where students identify a real political problem, research related issues, and propose a solution. Members of the U.S. Congress and county offices of education have created corresponding awards programs. Includes procedures for creating a local project. (MJP)