5.7.5: Discuss the meaning of the American creed that calls on citizens to safeguard the
liberty of individual Americans within a unified nation, to respect the rule of law, and to preserve the Constitution.
This unit focuses on the rule of law and the impartiality of the courts. David, the main character from the book No, David!, is known for being a trouble-maker. He has been accused of theft. Should David’s character as a trouble-maker be considered when the facts are analyzed in this case? Students engage in a mock trial, character analysis, argument writing, and serve as a jury.
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Ideal for Grades 4 & 5 (Adaptable to Grades 6-12)
Democracy Calls for Equal Justice Under the Law
Goal | To use facts in the case and the rule of law and apply to the school law/rules to effectively determine the guilt or innocence of “David”. |
Role | Jury members summoned to the Classroom Superior Court as jury members |
Audience | The public, press, interested family members |
Situation | David, as the defendant, has been accused of theft, a violation of the school rules. The prosecutor must prove that David took property owned by someone else with the intent to prove the owner of it permanently. |
Performance | Jurors will listen to the testimony during the trial and the evidence presented. Following jury instructions given by the judge, they will determine the guilt or innocence of David, in writing, and orally through jury deliberations. |
Standards for Success | Following classroom jury instructions, jurors must provide arguments backed up with evidence of David’s guilt or innocence. In addition, jurors must include one counter claim and discuss in jury deliberation, why it is or is not to be believed. Jurors must present their final verdict to the judge. |
Quality Criteria | Absolutely | Almost | Not Yet |
Written:
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Speaking and Listening:
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Theatre:
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