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Students and the Law

Given your understanding of the Constitution and legal precedent, how should the Supreme Court rule in controversial cases regarding the rights of students to free speech and personal privacy?

The Supreme Court of the United States building

Creative Artifact

Students participate in a Moot Court Performance. A complete protocol for the Moot Court is described in this document from Street Law.

Written Commentary

Students draft a judicial opinion modeled on a Supreme Court opinion (majority, concurring, or dissenting).

Exhibition

Students participate in a Moot Court Performance – ideally in a courthouse and with visiting experts such as law school students.

Implementation Notes

Credit Eligibility:

  • ELA

  • A person with a halo of humanities subjects around their head

    Humanities

Prerequisites Needed:

N/A

Modular Suggestions

A unit within a Civics or Government & Politics course.

TLE-Based Semester/Full-Year Course Suggestions

Government & Citizenship:
Fake News,
Unlocking Campaign Ads,
Students and the Law

Standards Addressed

Reading History:

  • RH.11-12.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole. 
  • RH.11-12.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among the key details and ideas. 
  • RH.11-12.3: Evaluate various explanations for actions or events and determine which explanation best accords with textual evidence, acknowledging where the text leaves matters uncertain.

Writing:

  • W.11-12.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

Speaking and Listening:

  • SL.11-12.1a: Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas. 
  • SL.11-12.1b: Work with peers to promote civil, democratic discussions and decision-making, set clear goals and deadlines, and establish individual roles as needed. 
  • SL.11-12.1c: Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence; ensure a hearing for a full range of positions on a topic or issue; clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions; and promote divergent and creative perspectives. 
  • SL.11-12.1d: Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives; synthesize comments, claims, and evidence made on all sides of an issue; resolve contradictions when possible; and determine what additional information or research is required to deepen the investigation or complete the task.
  • SL.11-12.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.
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