A lawyer “practices” law. He or she does this because the legal system is unbelievably complex and large. Court Is in Session is but a tiny piece of exposure to some parts of our legal system, its practices, and its processes. Having completed the activities herein, one will not be ready to “practice” any part of the law. One will, however, be better able to understand the law as one experiences it in life.

TEACHING THE LAW: A PROCESS
Court Is in Session is designed to introduce students to the purpose, function, and operation of the law and the judicial system. Law is defined and a historical perspective is presented so that students understand the importance of a set of rules and a code of conduct to civilizations past and present. Students will explore the United States legal system through both real-life and fictional scenarios, take part in a mock trial, and extend their knowledge by researching their own areas of interest within this topic.

Court Is in Session is for students in grades 5 through 8. The goal is to ignite an interest in and fascination with the law so that students grasp the importance of the legal system in their everyday lives.

Teaching about the law and about the process for participation in a mock trial will reinforce students’ essential skills in critical thinking, public speaking, organization, and research. Language Arts and Social Studies National Standards can be addressed along with developing and extending skills in the following areas:
      • analytical thinking
      • abstract thinking
      • problem solving
      • understanding point of view
      • persuasion techniques
      • understanding of the difference between fact and opinion
      • appreciating clarity
      • teamwork and cooperation

Download the Table of Contents page here.

Grades 5 and up.