Program Materials by Age Group

Elementary Students

What Is A Court? (Grades 3-6)
The objectives of this lesson are to enable students to describe the judicial branch of government, define what a court is, and name three characteristics of trial courts and appellate courts. Materials include a lesson plan and a handout/quiz. (Washington State Office of the Administrator for the Courts)

Middle School Students

Separation of Powers: Connecting the Separate Powers (Grades 4-6)
The objectives of this lesson are for students to understand the concept of separation of powers, recognize how the Constitution provides for separation of powers, and identify the branches of government in which various public officials work. Materials include a lesson overview and suggestions for related activities. (American Bar Association)

What is Judicial Independence? (Grades 7-12)
The objectives of this lesson are for students to understand why judicial independence is important based on its place in our history and the extent to which it is found in other countries, consider what constitutes judicial independence by examining practices that may violate it, and understand the link between methods of selecting judges and judicial independence. Materials include a lesson overview and handouts. (American Bar Association)

What Makes a Good Judge? (Balancing Judicial Independence and Judicial Accountability) (Grades 7-12)
In this lesson, students will identify qualities that should be considered when selecting judges, examine the costs and benefits of two methods for selecting and retaining judges, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their state’s judicial selection process. Materials include a lesson overview and handouts. (American Bar Association)

High School Students 

Dialogue on the Separation of Powers (Grades 9-12)
This lesson examines the doctrine of separation of powers as expressed in the Constitution, explores current areas of tension among the three branches, and considers the differing perspectives of two Supreme Court justices. Materials include a lesson overview and focus questions. (American Bar Association)

Judicious Election of Judges (PDF) (Grades 9-12)
Presented in Chapter 7 of Connecting to the Courts: A Teacher’s Guide to the Wisconsin Courts, this lesson examines how judges are selected in Wisconsin, the differences between judicial campaigns and campaigns for other offices, and the concept of judicial independence. Materials include a lesson overview and mock judicial campaign materials. (While this lesson focuses on Wisconsin’s courts, it can be easily adapted for other states.) (State Bar of Wisconsin)

Overview of the Wisconsin Courts (PDF) (Grades 9-12)
Presented in Chapter 2 of Connecting to the Courts: A Teacher’s Guide to the Wisconsin Courts, this lesson introduces students to the state court system. Using a hypothetical case, the lesson demonstrates the roles of trial and appellate court judges in interpreting laws and deciding cases. Materials include a lesson overview and a chart describing the state’s courts. (While this lesson focuses on Wisconsin’s courts, it can be easily adapted for other states.) (State Bar of Wisconsin) 

The Role of the Courts and the Mary Jones Case (Grades 9-12)
The objectives of this lesson are to enable students to describe how courts resolve disputes and interpret the law, explain the different roles of the three branches of government, and understand how the other two branches interrelate with the judiciary. Materials include a three-day lesson plan, case materials, copies of relevant court decisions and laws, a homework assignment, and additional activities. (Connecticut Judicial Branch)

Separation of Powers (PDF) (Grades 9-12)
This lesson uses a case study to examine the “separation of powers” doctrine. Materials include a lesson outline and activity sheets. (Delaware Law Related Education Center) 

State v. Rowe (Grades 9-12)
The objectives of this lesson are to explore the concepts of “separation of powers” and “checks and balances” and to understand how they apply in a real-world situation. Materials include a lesson overview and handouts. (Missouri Bar)

Understanding Separation of Powers (Grades 10-12)
This lesson uses newspaper articles about recent events to explore “separation of powers” issues. Materials include newspaper articles, a lesson overview, and discussion questions. (American Bar Association)

Adults

Independent Judiciary (PDF)
Prepared by a Florida attorney, this is a proposed outline for non-political presentations by attorneys, judges, and educators on the importance of an independent judiciary.

Our Courts
This program offers presentations on Colorado’s state and federal courts; the selection, discipline, and evaluation of judges in each system; the roles of trial and appellate courts; the importance of judicial fairness, impartiality, and accountability; and Abraham Lincoln’s legacy of liberty and equality. Materials include PowerPoint slides. (While these materials focus on Colorado’s courts, they can be easily adapted for other states.) (Colorado Bar Association and Colorado Judicial Institute)