Designed to give students in grades 5 through 12 information about the Minnesota court system, this document provides teachers and students with the necessary background materials to study Minnesota's courts. Rather than an introduction to all law, the document is limited to the function and operation of the courts. The curricular materials cover 17 topics: (1) conflict; (2) solving conflict today; (3) "Fairness and Freedom" the video; (4) Minnesota courts; (5) people in the court; (6) choosing the judge; (7) the Minnesota jury system; (8) Voir dire process; (9) You Decide: a jury simulation; (10) conciliation court; (11) juvenile justice; (12) mini-mock trials; (13) appeals; (14) mediation; (15) punishment; (16) sentencing; and (17) a question of life or death. A copy of the Minnesota Constitution also is provided. (RJC)