This curriculum unit for citizenship education describes the due process of law as specified in the Constitution, interpreted by the courts, and evolved by practical experience. Its purpose is to inform high school students of their rights so that they may participate more effectively in the U.S. governmental system. It is hoped that the unit helps students determine the legal rights of citizens and law-enforcement officials. Three sections comprise the unit. Section one deals with what a crime is, including the origins of law, how law protects man, how laws protect everyone, and what is punishment for crimes. The second section, about what happens when a crime is committed, discusses arrest, probable cause, search warrants, searches, evidence, wire tapping, interrogations and confessions, frisking, personal freedom and rights, bail, prosecution, indictment, preliminary hearing, arraignment, trial, jury, counsel, and appeal. The third section on juvenile law offers information on who are juveniles, juvenile delinquency, noncriminal truancy, criminal delinquency, arrest, juvenile officers, investigation, detention, delinquency petition, and court hearing. This last section is especially pertinent to students at a time when they are becoming increasingly informed and active in society. (Author/ND)