Aiming to educate students in grades 8-12 on the Bill of Rights, this student guide focuses on each of the of the first 10 amendments and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Organized by amendment, each section includes the text of the amendment and its counterpart in the Maine Constitution; an introduction to the legal…

This paper presents a composite of four separate research studies conducted to assess the impact of constitutional language on classroom environments. The studies were designed to examine the uses of "Judicious Discipline" in a variety of classrooms and how the use of a common language based on rights and responsibilities affected the…

It is widely believed that the judiciary can maintain the rule of law and guarantee fundamental rights only if it is independent from political and other pressures. Most countries have provisions in their constitutions guaranteeing an independent judiciary. Usually, this independence has two faces: institutional measures that separate the…

Administrators, attorneys, and graduate students who are interested in law and education or in research methods will find this book useful. Rarely do researchers combine several methods for examining legal issues in education from multiple perspectives. Here four authors offer four different research methods that can be used in combination. Each…

In answer to the concerns about school violence in the United States (especially since the tragedy in 1999 at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado), this Internet curriculum offers lessons and resources that address the topic of school violence and its causes, as well as the search for solutions. The curriculum presents four world wide web…

Recounts a criminology class exercise that consisted of staging a mock trial using the murders from Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" as source material. Students research the case and role play various lawyers, jury members, and witnesses. Identifies and discusses four educational objectives attainable through the staging of mock trials. (MJP)

Provides background information and related learning activities for three areas of inquiry involving youth and violence: (1) "Evolution of the Juvenile Justice System"; (2) "The Literature of Crime and Poverty"; (3) "Youth Crime and Public Policy." Includes a list of six recommended Web sites. (MJP)

Presents three brief articles recalling US teachers' experiences conducting civic education workshops in Bosnia. Pat Feichter writes "Would I Return? In a Heartbeat." Gail Huschle examines "Beauty in the Midst of Devastation." Mary Bristol considers "Making Connections between Cultures." (MJP)

Proponents of law-related education in high school assert that an understanding of legal principles is essential for the maintenance of a tolerant pluralistic society. The law-related education curriculum uses mock trials and case studies to teach the principles of the judicial system. (SLD)

Presents the story of Linda Brown and the Supreme Court case of "Brown v. Board of Education" for a classroom activity on segregation and discrimination. Stimulates discussion and critical thinking, and provides a historical understanding of the Fourteenth Amendment and the segregation issue. (NL)

Stresses the need for law-related education early in the curriculum. Identifies appreciation of an ordered society, understanding of the mainstream value system, awareness of legal concepts, and recognition of the legal processes as important goals of these courses. Calls for fostering a positive self-image in students. (KO)

Discusses the challenges of making a grade 12 law course come alive. Suggests using oral simulation work such as mock trials, moot courts, and adversarial debates. Illustrates the use of the "Grade A Contract" to keep students on task and promote skill support, and presents an outline of a moot court enactment. (LS)

Presents a lesson plan about case studies of the environmental disasters of Minamata, Japan and Love Canal, New York. Compares how the legal cases were handled in two constitutional democracies. Provides six handouts that include maps, role descriptions for simulations, and student readings. (CFR)

Presents a secondary-level lesson plan designed to introduce students to teen courts in schools and develop decision-making skills. Includes learning objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, a chart illustrating a teen court referral system, and three student readings. (CFR)

Identifies and discusses sections of the U.S. Constitution that support the provision of legal aid to poor people. Reviews Supreme Court cases that deal with this topic. Includes five suggested learning activities and a vocabulary list. (CFR)