Provides an annotated bibliography of law-related education materials for grades K through 12. The annotations are divided into the following categories: (1) elementary law-related education, (2) juries, (3) opposing viewpoints, (4) practical law, and (5) supplementing law-related education. (JDH)

Offers guidance for conducting Law Day activities in public schools. Maintains that Law Day should be more than a one-shot lecture by lawyers in a high school auditorium. Provides a variety of ideas and aids for planning a successful Law Day program that enhances year-round law-related education efforts. (JDH)

Explains the meaning of a writ of habeas corpus, provides a brief history of its use in England and the United States, and clarifies how the writ is used as an instrument which compels government to adhere to basic constitutional and legal principles rather than exercise power in an arbitrary and self-serving manner. (JDH)

Reviews the earliest roots of the legal values and principles embodied in the United States Constitution, much of which may be traced to the Magna Carta (1215) and other precedents set by English law. (JDH)

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)

Provides an activity designed to help students understand how U.S. Supreme Court judges are selected. Points out that the Constitution does not specify any qualification to serve as a federal judge, but that an unwritten rule is that all nominees have a bachelor of laws degree. (JDH)

Briefly reviews the historical developments of tort law and identifies some of its main component. Tort law concerns wrongful acts (not involving a breach of contract) that may result in a civil action. Major areas include personal injury and wrongful death, intentional torts, negligence, professional malpractice, misrepresentation, and libel.…

Presents a glossary of civil law terms originally compiled for journalists by the American Bar Association. Defines many essential civil law concepts and practices including compensatory damages, jurisdiction, motion to dismiss, discovery, and remedy. (MJP)

Presents a game which has students interpret Articles I, II, and III of the U.S. Constitution to understand the allocation of powers among the 3 branches of government. The game helps students understand the interaction between the 3 branches of government, stressing the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances. (JDH)

Explores how a defendant can face a civil action and criminal prosecution for the same act without violating the principle of double jeopardy. For instance, burning down a house can engender criminal prosecution charges and a civil suit from the insurance company. Double jeopardy only applies to criminal actions. (MJP)

Criticizes the recent explosion (over the last 20 years) of civil litigation in the United States. Specifically addresses such issues as exorbitant punitive damages, contradictory and confusing federal guidelines and regulations, and restrictive influences on self-reliance and personal responsibility. Reviews some states' measures to correct these…

Provides 3 learning activities based on actual court cases which are designed to introduce students to the concept of judicial review, its limit and process. (JDH)

Briefly reviews the history of the judicial branch of the U.S. government. Maintains that the 1803 U.S. Supreme Court decision in "Marbury v. Madison" established the Court's authority to not only interpret the Constitution, but also to apply the Constitution to acts of other separate but equal branches of government. (JDH)

Provides a 49 item crossword puzzle which focuses on concepts and terminology related to the U.S. Supreme Court. (JDH)

Provides a concise and informative overview of the civil justice system. Examines various components and issues including the federal and state court systems, differences between civil and criminal law, background in common law, types of civil law, civil procedure, and the effect and implementation of civil law in everyday life. (MJP)