Features seven of the 20 most significant opinions of the first two centuries of the Michigan Supreme Court. from racial segregation in schools to eugenics laws to whether being a member of a nudist colony constitutes indecent exposure, The Verdict of History lesson plans teach student to think critically, develop their decision-making skills, and understand how the judicial system applies to their own lives.
Civics Lessons
Lesson Topic: Judicial Branch
The Verdict of History
I Can’t Wear What??
Students meet Ben Brewer and find out what happened the day he decided to wear his favorite band t-shirt to school in violation of a new dress code rule. Students read a summary of a Supreme Court case to figure out the “rule” that applies to Ben’s problem. This lesson lays the groundwork for students to write two short persuasive essays—one arguing each side of the issue.
Constitution Day Lesson-6th Amendment
The goal of this activity is to introduce 6th grade students to the 6th Amendment of the US Constitution (guarantee of an impartial jury for criminal defendants). The materials illustrate how the American juror selection process differs from the jury selection process used in ancient times during the Roman Republic.
John Marshall, Marbury v. Madison, and Judicial Review—How the Court Became Supreme
In this lesson, students will learn, the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution, the significance of Marbury v. Madison, the concept of judicial review and how Marbury v. Madison solidified it, and the relationship between the Supreme Court and laws passed by Congress and state legislatures
B.B. Wolf v. Curly Pig Mock Trial
Mock Trial Script of Curly Pig vs the Big Bad Wolf
What Makes A Good Judge?
This lesson focuses on the costs and benefits of various judicial selection methods. Students will list characteristics they think essential or valuable to being a good judge, and then see which system of judicial selection – appointment, merit, or election – obtains the highest quality judges. In discussing each method, students will understand the tradeoffs between accountability and independence in judicial selection.
This lesson was developed to be used on Law Day, but does not need to be limited to Law Day.
Goldilocks vs. the Three Bears
This scripted mock trial includes ideas for pre and post mock trial activities.
Krabbs v. Plankton Mock Trial
Students learn about the different roles and responsibilities in a court by participating in a mock trial.
The Problem of SpongeBob RoundPants
This short scripted mock trial for grades 4-6 involves SpongeBob suing Abercrombie and Fish for pants that don’t fit. Scripted parts allow the trial to move quickly to jury deliberations during which the student jurors actually decide the verdict of the case.
Yertle the Turtle Mock Trial
This mock trial exposes students to the mechanics of a jury trial, and stresses the importance of functioning as a juror.