8th Grade Criminal Justice & Law Google Apps

This resource will provide students with an introductory framework from which to understand the judiciary process. Students will delve into the fundamental aspects of a courtroom such as: the basic structure and lay-out of a courtroom, the function of different roles (judge, jury, defense, prosecutor), and the common procedures and language used in a courtroom environment. Students will also explore the importance of how to create an opening and closing statement, the legal grounds of when to object, and understand the dynamics of a direct and cross examination. This resource will be very useful for teachers who are searching for an engaging & informative way to introduce students to the concept of mock trials.

Materials:

• Teacher Reference Guide
• One 32 Slide Presentation & Guided Notes
• One 12 Slide Presentation & Guided Notes (Step by Step Application)
• Mock Trial Handouts

1. Jury Role Play
2. Opening Statement
3. Closing Statement
4. Objections
5. Debriefing

If you liked this lesson see other related 'Government' lessons here:

• The Debate on Affirmative Action: Exploring Two Sides of the Issue
• Controversy and the Criminal Justice System (Eric Garner Case)
• The 'Bill of Rights' Time Travel
• YOU Be the Judge: Analyzing Supreme Court Decisions
• Proposing a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
• Post Zombie Apocalypse: What Form of Government Would YOU Create?

Engage your students in having them draw important connections between the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s and contemporary grassroots movements taking place in the United States. This lesson will prompt students to analyze short documentary video clips that focus on six different contemporary grassroots movements:

1) Women’s March

2) Immigration

3) Standing Rock

4) Black Lives Matter

5) Climate Change

6) Teacher Strikes

With the corresponding video clips, students will fill out a provided T-chart that will identify the following aspects of each movement:

1) Desired Outcome/Changes

2) Group(s) involved

3) Strategies

4) Obstacle/Challenges

5) Questions

Hands-on activities: Two relevant, critical thinking activities follow that involve having students take their prior knowledge of the Civil Rights era (1950/60’s) and;

1. Using a Venn diagram, students will compare this time period with current day grassroots movements.

2. Each group will then discuss what issues are relevant and meaningful for them. Students will choose an issue that they wish to see change, and then as a group, will create a poster that promotes their cause.

Time frame for lesson:

• 3-4 class periods (60 min) *If time is an issue; the teacher can choose from the six contemporary movements that he/she would like for their students to focus on.

Materials:

• One 21 Slide Presentation
• Detailed lesson plan
• Digital Student Handouts:

1. HANDOUT #1- PowerPoint T-Chart
2. HANDOUT#2- Venn Diagram
3. HANDOUT#3- Grading Rubrics
4. HANDOUT #4- Rethinking schools blog: Making People’s History in Arizona: Educator’s Rise Up

*Note:

Students will have already learned about the Civil Rights era. This lesson serves as a critical thinking extension activity that encourages students to draw connections to contemporary grass roots movements & the Civil Rights movement.

Civil Rights Movement, current events, grassroots, racism, controversy, poster, Trump