The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the people of the United States from unreasonable searches and seizures. On first reading, these protections seem clearly defined. The amendment was meant to protect Americans from the kinds of random searches and seizures that the colonists experienced under British colonial rule. Under…

This collection of 17 lessons developed by teachers is intended to assist in teaching civic education to gifted and talented students. Gifted and talented students find the study of the United States Constitution, case law, and the legislative process fascinating. Divided into two sections, one for elementary and middle school and the other for…

Uses a discussion of the U.S. Constitution's Fourth Amendment and a case study entitled "Search and Seizure at a Rock Concert" to teach secondary students about privacy, property, and justice. Examines exceptions to the Fourth Amendment and describes "probable cause" as it relates to searches. (GEA)

This digest discusses issues related to teaching about the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It begins by quoting the amendment that protects citizens of the United States against unreasonable searches and seizures, and goes on to discuss how the understanding and interpretation of the amendment have been influenced by historical events,…

This booklet contains the official materials that student teams used to prepare for the 16th Annual California State Mock Trial Competition, held in April 1997. The mock trial process is designed to clarify for students the workings of legal institutions. As student teams study a hypothetical case, conduct legal research, and receive guidance from…

Focuses upon classroom presentation of issues related to the Fourth Amendment of U.S. Constitution. Presents a description of a drug test case simulation (D. Hess); a case involving drug testing in the public sector which is to be heard by the Supreme Court (L. Mandell); and other teaching strategies (D. Hess). Provides a guide for finding Supreme…

In February 1942 (two months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii) President Franklin Roosevelt, as commander-in-chief, issued Executive Order 9066 to relocate all persons of Japanese ancestry, both citizens and aliens, inland and away from the Pacific military zone. The Order was to prevent espionage and to protect persons of Japanese descent…

Focuses on the U.S. Bill of Rights Fourth Amendment discussing what it means related to current technological advances, such as automobiles and computers. Provides information on court cases relevant to the Fourth Amendment, such as Atwater v. City of Lago Vista and City of Indianapolis v. Edmond. Lists ideas for learning activities. (CMK)

Offers an eight-day unit on search and seizure for high school students. Includes condensed versions of famous court decisions, teaching materials, and day-by-day teaching procedures. (JDH)

Every year the Supreme Court hears dozens of cases related to key constitutional issues. These cases can be used to teach enduring concepts in government and law. With this lesson plan, students learn about important concepts in Fourth Amendment law and stage a mock Supreme Court oral argument in small groups on a case decided in the 1999-2000…

Educating students to understand overt, subtle, and erroneous claims made by partisan advertisers is no small feat. Often students are passive consumers who need to learn how to become critical listeners, viewers, readers, and producers of all types of media. Because of this, media literacy--the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and produce…

Intended for ninth grade students, this ten day unit focuses on the constitutional powers of the President of the United States. Included are worksheets, vocabulary, writing assignments, tests, and quizzes. (JDH)

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)

This teacher's guide complements the student text's presentation of lesson plans on the subject of illegal drug use. The booklet begins with an explanation of the benefits of law-related education (LRE) for democratic education. The guide then outlines suggestions for handling controversy; directing discussion; organizing cooperative and small…

Lawyers who volunteer to teach youngsters about law and the legal process will find this special issue of "LRE Project Exchange," which contains lesson plans and suggestions from teachers and other lawyers, useful. "Sure-Fire Presentations" (A. Gallagher) offers practical suggestions for making classroom presentations more…