This article is drawn from the authors' book, "Judging for Themselves: Using Mock Trials to Bring Social Studies and English to Life," which discusses the effectiveness of mock trials as tools for learning and assessments. Mock trials are effective because they are challenging, authentic projects in which students create and then do…

Describes student forums as a means for students to learn through role-playing instead of reading a textbook or listening to a lecture. Explains that students debate the issue of independence of the U.S. judiciary in this sample forum. Provides detailed roles for students willing to express their positions during the panel discussion. (CMK)

This essay discusses Alain LeRoy Locke (1885-1954), Professor of Philosophy (Howard University) and examines his experiences, reasoning, and rhetoric as they challenge the accepted notions of race, education, and democracy. As an African American practicing philosophy in a racist nation, Locke also examined value communities and value differences…

These materials are part of the Project Benchmark series designed to teach secondary students about our legal concepts and systems. This unit focuses on the structure and procedures of the California Supreme Court and the Courts of Appeal. The materials outline the historical development of the appellate courts, jurisdiction, and the appeal…

Outlines the history of the doctrine of judicial review, which makes the Supreme Court the final arbiter in questions of constitutional interpretation. Discusses debates over the structure and role of the judiciary at the Constitutional Convention, the impact of Chief Justice John Marshall, and distinctive features of 20th-century judicial…

An institution that is commonly taught about in middle and high schools is the U.S. Supreme Court. Many people--adults and young people alike--hold misconceptions about how it works. Interestingly, however, this lack of knowledge does not stop people from having a generally positive opinion of the Court--especially relative to the other two…

This paper discusses the distinction between the Constitution and constitutional law. The Constitution is the fundamental law of the United States. It creates the institutions of government, enumerates the powers of these institutions, and delineates areas government may not enter. The Constitution is the instrument by which the consent of the…

These classroom materials are part of the Project Benchmark series designed to teach secondary students about our legal concepts and systems. This unit focuses on the procedures and cases of the small claims court. The materials outline the kinds of cases, procedures of the plaintiff and defendent, trial procedures, rights of appeal, writ of…

These materials are part of the Project Benchmark series designed to teach secondary students about our legal concepts and systems. This unit focuses on the structure and procedures of the civil court systems. The materials outline common law heritage, kinds of cases, jurisdiction, civil pretrial procedure, trial procedure, and a sample automobile…

The League of Women Voters/Tallahassee responded to an opportunity to research the concerns of Florida's judiciary following the disrupted general election of 2000. It received a grant for the Judicial Independence Project, a project supported by a grant from the Program on Law and Society of the Open Society Institute, from the League of Women…

This guide is intended to advance high school students' understanding of the Iowa court system and the democratic principles on which it is based. The guide focuses on the Iowa district courts. Although 80% of law takes place in district courts, few national texts cover the district courts due to differences in district courts from state to state.…

Maintains that law-related education provides the four basic components of social studies: (1) knowledge; (2) skills; (3) values; and (4) participation. Presents five teaching activities about personal injury law. Provides hypothetical situations and discusses how they probably would be decided in the courts. (CFR)

These classroom materials are part of the Project Benchmark series designed to teach secondary students about our legal concepts and systems. This unit focuses on the California juvenile justice system. The materials describe the historical and legal development of the system, juvenile court procedures, correction facilities, and various creative…

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)

Describes in some detail the modern French judicial system, including the personnel involved; the structure of civil, criminal, and public law; and penal procedure. Modern criticism of this system is discussed. (AM)