This unit is one of a series that presents specific moments in history from which students focus on the meanings of landmark events. By studying a crucial turning-point in history, students become aware that choices had to be made by real human beings, that those decisions were the result of specific factors, and that they set in motion a series…

The four teaching units of this publication focus on Japanese constitutional law and history, while providing opportunities for comparison with the constitutional experience of the United States. The four units have been designed as a comprehensive course of study that emphasizes understanding of the historical and cultural context of contemporary…

These materials include the script for a mock trial in which students are asked to role play the participants in a case based on the facts of New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985). The case raised questions involving a students' rights to protection against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment and schools' needs to…

A compilation of student impressions of legal systems and constitutions in different countries, this booklet contains examples of student work completed at a 5-day law related education institute in Washington, D.C. in 1990. The institute brought together students representing seven different countries (China, France, United Kingdom, the…

Presents a simulation in which a student political action committee organizes to protest budget cuts affecting their high school. Seeks to engage students in legal reasoning over First Amendment issues. Poses possible protests, then asks students whether they believe First Amendment rights would protect them. Includes Supreme Court precedents for…

Discusses a euthanasia incident in which a doctor claimed, in a letter to the "Journal of the American Medical Association," to have given a fatal dose of morphine to a dying cancer patient. Debates the ethical issues involved in the journal's decision to print the letter, withholding the author's name. (DB)

Discusses a high school unit on First Amendment rights developed for a gifted students class in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Describes the unit's origins and procedures, such as issues studied and the use of research projects, guest speakers, and field trips. Emphasizes students' interest in learning about their rights. Identifies critical…

Provides a series of five classroom activities designed to teach about the interaction of culture and law in India. Explains that the tension between constitutional democracy and ancient traditions represents a serious challenge to India. Includes a map, four student readings, and a list of eight resources. (CFR)

The Supreme Court's consideration of the issue of First Amendment protection for the student press is examined in this paper by analyzing "Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier," where the court ruled that the school is the publisher and that the principal has the right to regulate the content of the newspaper in "any reasonable…

Designed for use by local lawyers and law students who agree to serve as resource persons in secondary school level law-related subjects, this guide has two main goals: (1) to provide law personnel with a brief summary of the law and sample cases for student use on topics of general interest, and (2) to introduce students to a sampling of the…

This booklet presents teacher-developed units of study on the American government for eleventh-grade students. The materials are Part I of a set of classroom strategies intended to help secondary students examine American history in light of the issues identified by the American Issues Forum. Students analyze the U.S. Constitution, draw cartoons,…

Presents a lesson plan that teaches students to analyze the goals and effectiveness of the juvenile justice system. Instructional materials include handouts describing three criminal situations involving teenagers and copies of an article on the juvenile justice system. Activities include small group discussions followed by a class discussion.…

Presents a secondary school lesson to study the Supreme Court's interpretations of the Establishment Clause, explore why some Justices want to reconsider the separation of church and state, and make decisions about the constitutionality of school prayer. Includes seven student handouts and step-by-step instructional procedures. (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…

Presents background information on Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Wisconsin could not compel Amish students to attend high school. Outlines a lesson plan for simulating the court's decision. Includes discussion questions that distinguish between the First Amendment establishment and free exercise clauses and…