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. The guide briefly overviews the proposed curriculum, potential teaching methods, format of the student guide, examples of possible educational outcomes, and ways to evaluate student achievement and the effectiveness of the project. The guide also focuses on the use of outside resource persons and service learning to enhance the curriculum. Separated into eight chapters, the guide covers lessons on the history and role of the courts, the structure of the courts, criminal and civil procedures, juries, the juvenile court, and concludes with a chapter on the future of the Iowa courts. The guide contains a concluding activity and a glossary. (TSV)