The O. J. Simpson trials taught much of the United States a basic lesson in the difference between criminal law and civil law. Many students learn in their government classes that a person cannot be tried twice for the same crime. A person found innocent in a criminal trial, however, can be sued under civil law procedures for damages. It is possible, then, to have the two trials reach very different conclusions, as was seen with the Simpson cases. In part, this is because there is a greater burden of proof with criminal cases than with civil cases. In this lesson plan, students learn some of the fundamental distinctions between civil and criminal law through analyzing newspaper articles that deal with the two types of cases. Students attempt to correct a fictional news article about a criminal case. The lesson plan provides an overview, educational objectives, links to both civics and social studies standards, materials needed, handouts, and step-by-step classroom procedures. (BT)