Engages secondary students in an analysis of individual rights issues decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Provides an outline and a "test" to evaluate a law or government action, giving students objective criteria to guide their reasoned opinions. Emphasizes the need for a reasonable and rational method to analyze the law. (LS)

This bibliography focuses on the origins and development of the United States Constitution. This single bibliography is organized into two versions: (1) The Abbreviated Bibliography provides a long catalog of some major sources for a basic understanding of the events and ideas of the writing and ratification of the Constitution; and (2) the…

"State action" is a term used to describe claims arising under the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and the Civil Rights Act for which a private party is seeking damages because the state has violated that party's civil rights. Cases are summarized illustrating the doctrine's evolution over the past century. The 1875 Civil…

The legal parameters concerning how and when to properly graduate special education students are examined, through review of the United States Constitution, the Rehabilitation Act, the Education of All Handicapped Children Act, and subsequent case law. Recommendations on how school districts can properly terminate services are also presented.…

Constitutional essays which formed the basis of public assemblies throughout three states are compiled in this book. The first three essays consider the U.S. government principles of federalism, judicial review, and the separation of powers. Michael L. Benedict proposes that the question of ultimate sovereignty has been answered differently by…

Presents ideas from the Center for Research and Development in Law-Related Education for lesson plans to celebrate the Bill of Rights. The article offers projects, resources, and reproducibles that describe the Bill of Rights and how to teach elementary and secondary students about the subject. (SM)

The role of the U.S. Constitution as a model for an influence on the establishment of governments in other nations offers an effective vehicle for expanding education about this nation's civic values, rights, and responsibilities. By studying how the ideas and principles of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights have been adopted, adapted,…

Twenty activities and seven educational objectives help teachers inform students of their rights as citizens. Each objective is demonstrated through the use of one or more activities that help students experience the learning for themselves. Each activity consists of teaching procedures and student handouts. Section 1 is an examination of the Bill…

The dimensions of the separation of powers principle are explored through three lessons in the subject areas of U.S. history, U.S. government, and world history. In 1748, a French nobleman, Baron de Montesquieu, wrote a book called "The Spirit of the Laws," in which he argued that there could be no liberty when all government power was…

A case involving a strip-search of two second-grade girls in Talledega, Alabama, was dismissed with an eight-to-three vote by the 11th Circuit Court. The court issued an opinion on only one question in the case: whether the employees involved were entitled to "qualified immunity." Advises administrators to be cautious and permit strip…

This document is a teacher's guide to a series of mass transit advertisement posters illustrating Bill of Rights topics. The five posters in the series are discussed in five separate sections. Each section is divided into three units, each consisting of a learning activity, one for the secondary level, one for the middle school level, and one…

This paper examines four issues related to religion and the public schools: (1) released-time education; (2) variations in interpretation of court decisions; (3) teacher attitudes toward religious instruction; and (4) freedom of religious expression. Released-time education programs were held to be constitutional in "Zorach v. Clauson."…

Supreme Court rulings of the last five years regarding freedom of speech are examined. There have been a wide range and variety of free speech developments during this period. (RM)

Offers a simulation in which middle school students examine the constitutionality of a creche being placed on town property. Develops an understanding of (1) the religion clauses of the First Amendment, (2) governmental limitations on religious practices, and (3) governmental regulations that may incidentally support religious beliefs. (LS)

Involves upper elementary students in a problem-solving activity that raises questions about who should have the right to a lawyer in a criminal case. Students discuss the importance of the right to due process in a criminal proceeding as well as in other situations. Defines due process and includes a handout on protections in the Bill of Rights.…