States that the civil rights movements served as a catalyst to women in working for their own rights. Points out that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Women's Rights Project, modeled after the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense fund, led the litigation battles for women's rights. Lists…

"Equality: Changing the Rules of the Game" is a lesson plan designed to encourage students to explore the changing definitions of equality and its impact. "The Expansion of Voting Rights" lesson plan provides middle school students with an overview of the historical development of voting rights. (GEA)

Reviews constitutional principles and case law in three areas of U.S. society where black Americans have made efforts to effect change. Specific changes are for fairness in education, the abolition of capital punishment, and the prohibition of discrimination against the poor. (JDH)

Examines the impact of race on 19th century politics and social order. Discusses the denial of voting rights and due process to free Blacks prior to the Civil War and the "unkept promises" of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Lists books on the 19th century Black experience and identifies significant…

Asserts that, although legal aid is only one program that provides legal services to poor people, there was a time in U.S. history when people who could not afford a lawyer had no way of solving disputes through the judicial system. Traces the history of legal aid from 1876 through the Great Depression and the Civil Rights movement until the…

Presents a secondary level activity in which students participate in a decision-making activity involving the U.S. legal system and legal aid. Includes lesson objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, and a student handout titled "Examining the Future of Legal Aid Programs." (CFR)

Asserts that the United States has a long, sad history of discrimination against minority rights. Discusses the origins and history of minority inclusion or affirmative action programs. Includes a special report on the "English Only" movement. (CFR)

Describes the early history of the juvenile court system and ties it to the reforms of the U.S. Progressive Era. Examines the arguments of those who call for the abolition of juvenile courts. Concludes that much of the criticism is misplaced and that efforts should be made to make juvenile courts work rather than abolish them. (CFR)

Contends that the issue of diversity and cultural pluralism is generally defined as an educational goal. Presents a lesson using Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron." Includes student objectives, the short story, step-by-step instructional procedures, extension activities, and a list of recommended books on this topic. (CFR)

Presents a lesson tracing the legal evolution toward greater justice in U.S. society from 1865-1965 through congressional acts and Supreme Court decisions. Includes student handouts of major civil rights cases, legislation, and background information. Provides a bar graph for evaluating Supreme Court decisions and congressional acts that advance…

Maintains that providing justice to people accused of a crime has evolved slowly over the centuries. Discusses the history of indigent defense in the United States. Includes vocabulary terms, a timeline, a list of "Heroes of Indigent Defense," reviews of significant court cases, and a discussion of legal services in five cities. (CFR)

Presents the history and activities of the Legal Aid Society of New York City, the largest and oldest provider of legal assistance for poor people in the United States. Presents a timeline of the society and suggested instructional activities. Provides an annotated list of six resource organizations. (CFR)