Curriculum Unit

The Judicial Branch

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. Constitution.

View our Constitution Explained video series for short-form videos to share with students about the judicial and other branches of government.

6-8

9-12

Lesson Plan

6-8

Judicial Branch in a Flash!

Need to teach the judicial branch in a hurry? In this lesson, students learn the basics of our judicial system, including the functions of the trial court, the Court of Appeals,…
WebQuest

6-8, 9-12

The Courts in a Nutshell

In this WebQuest, students look at all levels of both the state and federal court systems. They learn about jurisdiction, look up the courts in their own state, find out what…
Lesson Plan

6-8, 9-12

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that affirmed the Court’s power of judicial review. Students learn how Congress tried to add to the Supreme…
Lesson Plan

6-8, 9-12

Trial and Appeal (Infographic)

Most cases start and end in trial court, but what if there's an error? Show students how a case works its way up in this printable poster for your classroom! iCivics en español! A…
WebQuest

6-8, 9-12

In the Courts

Our Judicial Branch has a big job! Do you think you have what it takes to be a judge and get the job done?
Game

6-8, 9-12

Branches of Power

Learn to control all three branches of the U.S. government!
Lesson Plan

6-8, 9-12

Judges: Playing Fair

This mini-lesson takes a look at the role of fair and impartial courts in American life. Students learn about how judges are selected and held accountable. It also looks at how…
WebQuest

6-8, 9-12

Supreme Interpreters

What does it mean to interpret the Constitution? Why is interpretation necessary? Who gets to do it? In this WebQuest, students explore the answers to these questions and more.…
Lesson Plan

6-8, 9-12

Argument Wars Extension Pack

Transform your students’ gameplay into meaningful and memorable learning. You can now download and assign extension pack materials directly from the Argument Wars game page. The…
Lesson Plan

6-8

Appellate Courts: Let's Take It Up

Students learn the purpose of appellate-level courts and how those courts operate differently from the trial courts most people are familiar with from watching television. By…
Lesson Plan

6-8, 9-12

Court Quest Extension Pack

Transform your students’ gameplay into meaningful and memorable learning. You can now download and assign extension pack materials directly from the Court Quest game page. The…
Lesson Plan

6-8, 9-12

Supreme Court Nominations

This lesson plan teaches the fundamentals of Supreme Court Justice nominations and helps students understand the politics behind the nominations. It challenges students to cut…

Use the Scope & Sequence to help you plan your iCivics classroom experience!

Whether you enjoy finding opportunities within a well-structured sequence of resources or prefer looking around for pieces and bits that can be jigsawed together, our Scope & Sequence documents are a perfect reference point for planning. Scope & Sequence documents are available for elementary, middle, and high school classrooms and list all of our resources in one place.

Explore Our Resource Guides:

FOR TEACHERS

FOR DISTRICTS

The Judicial Branch

Judicial Branch in a Flash!

The Courts in a Nutshell

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Trial and Appeal (Infographic)

In the Courts

Branches of Power

Judges: Playing Fair

Supreme Interpreters

Argument Wars Extension Pack

Appellate Courts: Let's Take It Up

Court Quest Extension Pack

Supreme Court Nominations

Using Wikipedia Well

Algorithms at Work

Supreme Decision: Due Process

Supreme Decision: Free Speech

Use the Scope & Sequence to help you plan your iCivics classroom experience!

The Judicial Branch

Explore resources in this unit

Judicial Branch in a Flash!

The Courts in a Nutshell

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Trial and Appeal (Infographic)

In the Courts

Branches of Power

Judges: Playing Fair

Supreme Interpreters

Argument Wars Extension Pack

Appellate Courts: Let's Take It Up

Court Quest Extension Pack

Supreme Court Nominations

Using Wikipedia Well

Algorithms at Work

Supreme Decision: Due Process

Supreme Decision: Free Speech

Use the Scope & Sequence to help you plan your iCivics classroom experience!