The first part of this document presents an overview of a ninth grade social studies course. Included is a brief description of the five-unit course, a note to teachers about course content, a suggested time schedule, a comment on teaching controversial issues, a rationale and major goals of the course. The second part contains a unit on…

Examines the legal and moral issues, controversies, and unique trial procedures involved with the death penalty. Discusses the 1972 landmark Supreme Court decision that resulted in many states abolishing this punishment, only to reintroduce it later with different provisions. Reviews the controversial case of Sam Sheppard. (MJP)

Considers the broad range of jobs in law enforcement, the courts, and the correctional systems. Discusses the various paths of education and training leading to these jobs, the most preeminent being law school. Considers opportunities in growing fields such as international criminal law. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that teaches students to identify and examine the First Amendment as it applies to school-related issues. Procedures include researching a specific case and role playing its participants, followed by a discussion and written analysis. Includes three recent Supreme Court cases. (MJP)

Presents opposing viewpoints on federalism and state sovereignty. Charles J. Cooper argues for states powers based on a constructionist interpretation of the constitution. Herman Schwartz maintains that the national economy is so tightly intertwined, and the protection of civil liberties is too great to leave these functions to the states. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that compares freedom of the press in the United States and other countries. Reveals the extent to which the First Amendment protects press freedom from abuses found in other countries. Includes a world map illustrating areas enjoying freedom of the press, and related statistical tables. (MJP)

Urges returning to the original federalist debates to understand contemporary federalism. Reviews "The Federalist Papers," how federalism has evolved, and the centralization of the national government through acts of Congress and Supreme Court decisions. Recommends teaching about federalism as part of teaching about U.S. government…

This teacher's curriculum guide is designed to introduce secondary students to the ideas behind the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution and the experiences of the Founders that led to the creation of this document. The curriculum's intent is to provide young people with a knowledge of how the Bill of Rights came into existence, why it took the…

Discusses the formation and jurisdiction of the new constitutional court of the federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The international Muslim, Serb, and Croat court is attempting to establish the rule of law in the war-ravaged country. The Court received legal training from the American Bar Association. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that teaches students skills in developing oral arguments, understanding legal concepts involved in the practice of international law, and appreciating opposing points of view. Students prepare mini-memorials (similar to a legal brief) concerning a South Pacific case involving nuclear testing and territorial rights. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan on federalism that involves the class researching constitutional issues and inviting local officials to debate these issues. Students conduct a question-and-answer session afterward utilizing their research. Includes a list of proposed issues. (MJP)

Two articles in this instructional newsletter elucidate rulings by the United States Supreme Court, Circuit Court of Appeals, and District Courts affecting state sponsored school prayer: (1) "First Amendment Prayer Pendulum"; (2) "First Amendment. Rosenberger v University of Virginia." The newsletter provides the facts of the…

The purpose of this lesson packet is to raise issues about student rights of free expression in public schools. Included are preparatory reading material and two classroom simulation activities. The lessons are based on the U.S. Supreme Court case of Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, in which a Missouri high school principal and school district were sued by…

This student booklet is part of a curriculum designed for infusion into secondary U.S. history courses to help students explore the purposes of American law. The booklet contains student readings and discussion questions and suggests learning activities. There are five units. Unit 1, "Law in a New World," examines processes used to make…

This teacher's guide and student workbook are part of a series of content-centered packages of supplemental readings, activities, and methods adapted for secondary students who have disabilities and other students with diverse learning needs. Parallel Alternative Strategies for Students (PASS) materials are designed to help those students succeed…