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Does your state court system feel oddly similar to our federal one? Chances are it does, but there may still be some differences. In this lesson, students learn how our…
Opinions, opinions, opinions! Learn about the types of Supreme Court opinions and the influence of legal precedent. In the accompanying news literacy-related activity, students are…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
In this lesson, students compare Ben Brewer’s fictional case in “Supreme Decision” with a real-life case involving a student. Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions…
What does a Supreme Court justice really do? How do they make their decisions? What better way to find out than by trying it yourself! Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF…
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that it was unconstitutional for a state to force students to salute the flag and recite the Pledge of…
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that established a school's ability to prohibit inappropriate student language on campus. Students learn about…
If Marbury was right, then why didn't he get the writ? Find out how the Supreme Court got the power to decide what is constitutional, and what the Court can do with that power.
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that extended First Amendment protections to students in the classroom. Students learn about the concept of…
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court decision that determined Dred Scott, having lived in a free territory, was not entitled to his freedom. Students learn about…
Nothing is set in stone. And that includes our rights. In this lesson, students learn how and why the courts can limit people’s civil rights and liberties. Students take on the…
Students learn that you can't take constitutional language at face value. Those phrases we read in the Bill of Rights, such as "cruel and unusual punishment" or being a "witness"…
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that established a school principal’s right to censor student articles in the school newspaper. Students learn…
What does the phrase “freedom of speech” really mean? This lesson outlines the types of speech the First Amendment does and does not protect. Students also examine the Supreme…
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that gave defendants in state criminal courts the right to a lawyer. Students learn about the 6th Amendment right…
Help students learn about the duties and powers of the three branches, the amendment process, and the role of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
Learn how the Constitution has changed over time and what methods created those changes. Analyze specific examples of change including amendments, Supreme Court decisions, and…
Lesson Plan
