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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson 4: The Judiciary: A Brief Introduction to the Courts System

For Teachers 3rd - 6th Standards
Focusing on the judicial branch of government, the fourth lesson in this series explores the structure of the US courts system. Beginning with an engaging activity based on the short story The Lady or the Tiger, students go on...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson 5: In the Courtroom: Understanding the Players and the Action

For Teachers 3rd - 6th Standards
Young lawyers put Goldilocks on trial as they develop an understanding of the legal system in the final lesson plan of this five-part series. After learning about key terms relating to litigation, learners are assigned roles...
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Lesson Plan
iCivics

Judicial Branch in a Flash

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
What is the difference between the federal court and state court systems? What about criminal versus civil cases? Check out this resource that will offer your class members a general and effective overview of the judicial branch in the...
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Lesson Plan
Teaching Civics

Legal Ways: Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile

For Teachers 9th - 12th
An amazing set of resources! Found here are several lessons that work in conjunction to help learners better understand the juvenile court system. Learners review the judicial process, discuss how juveniles are tried, and hold a class...
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Worksheet
Minnesota Courts

Inside Straight: the Third Branch

For Students 10th - 12th
Learners use the worksheet as they view the film Inside Straight: the Third Branch. Multiple case studies and the history of the judicial branch of the US government are included via hyperlink and act as the topics of discussion...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

On Trial - Juvenile or Adult?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers compare and contrast juvenile and adult courts in the United States. In this judicial system lesson, students read and discuss articles and statistics in order to determine why juveniles may be tried as adults and examine...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Right to Privacy?

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students listen to a teacher reading of the freedoms included in the First Amendment. They, in small groups, read two editorials about privacy, and compare and contrast the two.
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Website
Forum Romanum

Outlines of Roman History: Times of Marius and Sulla:dictatorship of Sulla

For Students 9th - 10th
In this section of a chapter in William Morey's 1901 textbook, you'll discover the changes Sulla made in the government of Rome.
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Interactive
iCivics

I Civics: Court Quest

For Students 3rd - 8th
What a great way to learn about the different layers of the court system in the United States. This highly interactive game allows the player to be the guide in navigating through the various courts. By playing this game, the student...
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Activity
Cornell University

Cornell University: Law School: Jurisdiction Explained

For Students 9th - 10th
Site provides an overview of jurisdiction with links to recent case law and constitutional references.
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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
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: Article Iii: Judicial Power

For Students 9th - 10th
Annotations to Article III on the characteristics and attributes of judicial power as related to specific Supreme Court decisions. The author distinguishes between judicial power and jurisdiction.
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Lesson Plan
iCivics

I Civics: The Judicial Branch

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
Students will learn about the federal and state courts and what they do. They will explore the courts' role in fairly settling disputes and administering justice, and the unique role of the U.S. Supreme Court in interpreting the U.S....
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Handout
Forum Romanum

Outlines of Roman History: Reorganization of Empire: The Reign of Constantine

For Students 9th - 10th
In this entry from William Morey's 1901 textbook you will read about Constantine and the changes he made that had a lasting effect on the Roman Empire.
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Website
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: Courts of Appeals and District Courts

For Students 9th - 10th
Overview of the structure and purpose of the Courts of Appeals and District Courts.
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Activity
American Bar Association

American Bar Association: How Courts Work: Mediation

For Students 9th - 10th
Mediation provides an alternative way for people to work out their differences without going to court. Learn what mediation is, the process involved, and what its advantages are.
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Handout
Travel Document Systems

Tds: Oman: Government

For Students 9th - 10th
A thorough look at the government of Oman from the Background Notes from the U.S. State Department. You can read about the governmental divisions in the country, the judicial system, and the military. The information is current to 2005.
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Handout
Travel Document Systems

Tds: Syria: Government

For Students 9th - 10th
This article based on U.S. State Dept. Background Notes discusses not only the governmental structure, but also the political situation in Syria.
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Website
Other

Federal Judicial Center

For Students 9th - 10th
Travel throughout the Federal Judicial Center at this site. "The Federal Judicial Center is the education and research agency for the federal courts." This is a comprehensive site that outlines the publications, federal judicial history...
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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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Website
Other

Litigator's Internet Resource Guide: The Rules of Court

For Students 9th - 10th
A database of the rules, forms, and dockets for both the state and federal court systems.
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Interactive
New York Times

New York Times: Crossword Puzzle: The American Judicial System

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The New York Times Learning Network has an interactive & printable crossword puzzle on The American Judicial System.
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Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Judicial Branch

For Students 3rd - 5th
This site provides a simple explanation of the Judicial Branch with a hyperlinks to information on the Supreme Court.