This article is drawn from the authors' book, "Judging for Themselves: Using Mock Trials to Bring Social Studies and English to Life," which discusses the effectiveness of mock trials as tools for learning and assessments. Mock trials are effective because they are challenging, authentic projects in which students create and then do…

Presents a curriculum program designed to dramatize the trial experience. Utilizes the fairytale "Little Red Riding Hood" to present the facts of a criminal case. Outlines the mock trial, rules of evidence, criminal code, and facts of the case. Suggests that classroom experience be enhanced with field trips to a real court. (DK)

Describes in some detail the modern French judicial system, including the personnel involved; the structure of civil, criminal, and public law; and penal procedure. Modern criticism of this system is discussed. (AM)

Discusses the issue of providing adequate legal representation for persons condemned to death. Asks if the rights of a poor capital defendant charged with a capital crime in the South enjoys fewer rights than one in Los Angeles and whether this creates a dual system of justice. Suggests that state action for improvement may be slow in coming. (KO)

Discusses various cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court during the 1999-2000 term concerning criminal law, the First Amendment, grandparent visitation, and other close cases. Includes a section featuring teaching activities and discussion questions by Michelle Parrini and Jennifer Kittlaus. (CMK)

This guide is intended to advance high school students' understanding of the Iowa court system and the democratic principles on which it is based. The guide focuses on the Iowa district courts. Although 80% of law takes place in district courts, few national texts cover the district courts due to differences in district courts from state to state.…

Presents the opinions of nine professionals serving the justice system on the issue of providing representation in criminal and civil cases for those unable to pay for lawyers. Includes questions about the obligations of lawyers to provide counsel and the differences between legal representation in civil and criminal cases. (CFR)

Designed to provide students and adults with a learning experience related to the jury system, this game focuses on the jury selection process. In doing so, the game examines an important element of a fair trial--the right of the accused to be judged by an impartial jury. The game is designed for four class periods and can be used with a class of…

This textbook for high school students on law in Utah supplements "Street Law: A Course in Practical Law," a program in law-related education in use across the United States. The introduction explains the meaning of law, how laws are made in Utah, and the functions of the state court system. Following chapters elucidate the branches of…

Student activity pages, teacher background information, and lesson ideas for teaching about the law in social studies classrooms are provided in this supplementary packet. An introductory section provides a rationale for the unit, a guide to bringing law-related resource persons into the classroom, a teacher checklist for helping resource persons…

Student activity pages, teacher background information, and lesson ideas for teaching about law in social studies classrooms are presented in this supplementary packet. Section I provides suggestions for using community resource persons and lists Alabama resources for teaching about law. Activities in Section II focus on the need for laws and…

Student activity pages, teacher background information, and lesson ideas for teaching about law in social studies classrooms are presented. Lessons in this unit further develop ideas presented in the eighth grade packet and can be used to supplement a course in government. Section I provides suggestions for using community resource persons.…

This handbook provides background information and classroom activities that teachers can use to help students in grades 6-8 understand the New Mexico court system. Although intended for use in New Mexico, a great deal of the information provided can be used by teachers in other states. The information and activities can be incorporated into…

Developed specifically for use in juvenile corrections facilities, this law-related curriculum acquaints students with important aspects of the criminal and civil justice systems. The criminal justice lessons in the curriculum are designed to help students better understand how the system actually works; the effect of crime on its victims; the…

This guide describes "Just Images" a series of television programs and exhibitions that offers a public forum for analyzing television's influential portrayals of trials, lawyers, and the legal system. Contending that television portrayals of high-profile trials has altered the public's perception of law and the role of lawyers in the…