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Website
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: The Courts: Our Rule of Law

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This unit provides a comprehensive look into the value of the U.S. court system as a means to maintain the safety of American citizens. Offers video, readings, web resources, and activities.
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Activity
Other

Federal Judicial Center: Inside the Federal Courts

For Students 9th - 10th
A fantastic overview of the federal court system of the United States can be found here. Read about what the federal courts do, the difference between federal and state courts, the types of cases handled by federal courts, the structure...
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Activity
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: Jurisdiction of Federal Courts

For Students 9th - 10th
This site describes the jurisdiction of the Federal Court system. The site breaks the court's jurisdiction into three main areas of institutional conflict: Federal Restraint of State Courts by Injunctions, Habeas Corpus: Scope of the...
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Article
Lectric Law Library

Lectric Law Library: Understanding the Federal Courts

For Students 9th - 10th
This document provides an overview of the organization, operation, and administration of the entire federal court system. The article gives information on the federal judicial branch, the state and federal courts, the structure of the...
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Article
Center For Civic Education

Center for Civic Education: Relationship of State and National Legal Systems

For Students 9th - 10th
This lengthy essay describes the balance between state and federal judiciary courts and touches on independence, integration, power limits and immunities.
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Website
Other

National Center for State Courts

For Students 9th - 10th
A comprehensive look at the National Center for State Courts. Check out the extensive database for any additional information. There are also links to the individual state judicial systems.
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Website
Other

Streetlaw: Introduction to Law and the Legal System

For Students 9th - 10th
This website, a unit introducing the law and legal system, is organized into six chapters where you can learn about laws, lawmaking, citizen advocacy, dispute settlements, the court system, and lawyers.
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Lesson Plan
iCivics

I Civics: Trial and Appeal Infographic

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Most cases start and end in trial court, but what if there's an error? Show learners how a case works its way up in this printable infographic for your classroom.