District 11 Educational Support Services
Social Studies

American Law & Mock Trial: Course Overview  
Course Number: SS.AMLAW

Overview
This course will provide hands-on experience that will focus on the American legal system, the concept of due process, and courtroom procedures. Students will learn the steps of both prosecuting and defending various criminal and civil court cases. Students will learn appropriate legal terms and court decorum.
Prerequisite: Recommendation of teacher and parental permission.
Course Length: 2   Period Length: 1   Grade Level:  9-12    
Additional Credit Information: Credits per Semester: .5 (Elective)

Career Connection: This course introduces students to the types of work performed by Lawyers, and Paralegals.
For Teachers
Quarter 1  2
Quarter 3  4
Prerequisite
Next Course

Enduring Understandings - important ideas that students should carry with them years beyond the instruction received this year.

  • Political theories and documents provided the foundation for the US Constitution.
  • The purposes and design of the US government impact individuals and society.
  • Citizens must be able to analyze Constitutional conflicts. 

Essential Questions - most important “big picture” questions students should be able to answer after completing learning activities.

  • What documents and theories form the basis of the United States government? How did they influence the development of US government?
  • What is a constitution? How does a constitutional government work? What is a constitutional government?
  • How did the Articles of Confederation influence the development of the US Constitution?
  • What are the purposes of government?
  • How does government impact life today?
  • What is the role of government in a citizen’s life?
  • Why are the six basic principles of US Constitutional government important? How is the Constitution organized?
  • How and why must a citizen be able to analyze Constitutional issues?

Standards and Benchmarks

STANDARD Civics 1: Students understand the purpose of government, and the basic constitutional principles of the United States republican form of government.

Benchmark 1A: Students understand the principles of the United States constitutional government.

Benchmark 1B: Students know the essential characteristics of limited and unlimited government.

Benchmark 1C: Students know and understand what government is and what purpose it serves.

Benchmark 1D: Students know the distinctive characteristics of political culture of the United States.

Benchmark 1E: Students know the fundamental democratic principles inherent in the US concept of a constitutional democratic republic.

Sample Units

District 11 Diamond Units/Lessons Overview - includes information about the purpose, goals and structure of these sample instructional units:

  • Quarter 1
  • Quarter 2
  • Quarter 3
  • Quarter 4

Parent Resources

 

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