This article provides some strategies to alleviate the current tensions between personal responsibility and freedom of speech rights in the public school classroom. The article advocates the necessity of making sure students understand the points and implications of the first amendment by providing a mock trial unit concerning free speech rights.…

Most agree that the event now simply known as 9/11 proved to be a turning point in U.S. history. Nothing will ever be the same again politically, legally, and socially. Besides being the most devastating workplace disaster to occur in New York City and the nation, it was a moment that defined a generation and rivals similar generation-defining…

Discusses the need for school districts to compete for both public and private grants to fund special programs such as law-related education (LRE). Covers important features of writing effective proposals, especially those addressing LRE, and includes examples which illustrate important points. (GEA)

Suggests that landlord-tenant law be taught in the schools to give young people basic concepts they will need when they seek housing. Provides a brief summary of the background of landlord-tenant law. Includes activities on leases, premises, rent, and evictions. (DK)

Reiterating that students have become a potent market force, explains how teachers can introduce the concept of consumer law. Gives three examples of hypothetical situations in which contracts, warranties, and ethics are discussed. (GG)

Describes a law-related training program at Eastern Kentucky University that focuses on changing elementary student teachers' perceptions of social studies. Identifies six factors upon which the program is based. Results of this program indicate that links among all participants in the student teaching experience should be strengthened. (KO)

Suggests activities for teaching students about the law. Asks students to identify situations where they think laws are needed, reach consensus about the 10 most important national laws, and consider the problems of writing laws that everyone can understand. Presents results of law education. Includes a bibliography about promoting citizenship.…

Presents a simulation in which students take the roles of legislators and lobbyists in a debate over the minimum drinking age. Explains that the activity is limited to key elements of the legislative process. Suggests that the activity will help give meaning to abstract processes by providing motivation and relevance for students. Includes…

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)

Contends that secondary schools should provide instruction about the legal, social, and economic issues surrounding marriage, divorce, and other family topics. Asserts that family law can be integrated into the social studies curriculum, particularly at the ninth and twelfth grades. Provides three activities on marriage and the law, legal…

Discusses how jury duty for a murder trial led to the development of a simulation in which students serve as jurors for a murder trial. Provides role descriptions, testimony, and instructions for using the simulation. Outlines suggestions for student writing assignments and adapting the simulation for different regions. (CFR)

Criticizes the assumption that citizenship education is the defining mission of social studies. Cogently analyzes the defects of this argument, including a lack of related scholarship, inconsistent application from the schools, and little evidence of positive benefits. Proposes a curriculumwide integration of citizenship education. (MJP)

Presents the IRAC (Issue, Rule, Analysis, and Conclusion) method used to analyze and judge legal cases. Stresses this method's applicability for social studies instruction, stating it helps students assess facts and apply rules to reach and defend conclusions. Provides examples for using the IRAC method in U.S. government and U.S. history units.…

Describes an instructional unit in which students developed a series of mock trials based on legal issues in popular fairy tales. Asserts that meaningful learning takes place when children's activities in schools involve real-life experiences. Provides a list of 19 legal issues found in fairy tales. (CFR)