Appellate Courts: Let's Take It Up
Lesson Plan
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…
Overview
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 following the case of a real middle school girl who was strip searched at school, students find out what happens when someone takes a case all the way to the Supreme Court. Through this case, students learn about the structure of the federal court system and the way appellate courts decide cases.
Grade Levels
- 6-8
Learning Objectives
- Explain the purpose of the appellate courts
- Describe how appellate courts work
- Compare the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court
- Define the following terms: precedent, opinion, dissent, brief, oral argument, en banc, petition