Students learn about the processes of court and how the Rule of Law is applied when
arguments are presented in court. After applying the facts of the law to the case,
they will use their written essays to write (in part), and perform a mock trial convicting
Cut Eye Higgins of kidnapping (Podcast E closes the unit).
Standards Addressed
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History-Social Science Content Standards for California Public Schools
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4.5 Students understand the structures, functions, and powers of the local, state,
and federal governments as described in the U.S. Constitution.
- Discuss what the U.S. Constitution is and why it is important (i.e., a written document
that defines the structure and purpose of the U.S. government and describes the shared
powers of federal, state, and local governments).
- Understand the purpose of the California Constitution, its key principles, and its
relationship to the U.S. Constitution.
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Suggested K-12 Pathway for College, Career, and Civic Readiness
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Dimension 2, Civic and Political Institutions
By the end of Grade 5:
D2.Civ.1.3-5. Distinguish the responsibilities and powers of government officials at various levels
and branches of government and in different times and places.
D2.Civ.2.3-5 Explain how a democracy relies on people’s responsible participation, and draw implications
for how individuals should participate.
D.2 Civ.3.3-5: Examine the origins and purposes of rules, laws and key U. S. constitutional provisions
D2.Civ.4.3-5. Explain how groups of people make rules to create responsibilities and protect freedoms.
D2.Civ.5.3-5. Explain the origins, functions, and structure of different systems of government,
including those created by the U.S. and state constitutions.
D2.Civ.6.3-5. Describe ways in which people benefit from and are challenged by working together,
including through government, work- places, voluntary organizations, and families.
Dimension 2, Participation and Deliberation
D2.Civ.8.3-5. Identify core civic virtues and democratic principles that guide government, society,
and communities.
D2.Civ.9.3-5. Use deliberative processes when making decisions or reaching judgments as a group.
D2.Civ.10.3-5. Identify the beliefs, experiences, perspectives, and values that underlie their own
and others’ points of view about civic issues.
Dimension 2, Processes, Rules, and Laws
D2.Civ.10.3-5. Identify the beliefs, experiences, perspectives, and values that underlie their own
and others’ points of view about civic issues
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English-Language Arts Standards for California Public Schools
| California English Language Development Standards
Part 1: Interacting in Meaningful Ways
- Collaborative
P1.4.1 Exchanging information and ideas with others through oral collaborative discussions
on a range of social and academic topics
- Supporting opinions
- Support opinions by expressing appropriate/accurate reasons using textual evidence
(e.g., referring to text) or relevant background knowledge about content, with substantial
support.
- Selecting language resources
- Use a select number of general academic and domain-specific words to create precision
while speaking and writing.
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Common Core State Standards for Writing
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Text Types and Purposes
- Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and
information.
- Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational
structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer’s purpose.
- Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details.
- Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition).
- Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.
Production and Distribution of Writing
- Produce clear and coherent writing (including multiple-paragraph texts) in which the
development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific
expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3 above.) CA
- With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as
needed by planning, revising, and editing. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate
command of Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade 4.)
- Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different
aspects of a topic.
- Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print
and digital sources; take notes, paraphrase, and categorize information, and provide
a list of sources.
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Common Core State Standards for Reading
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Comprehension and Collaboration
- Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups,
and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
- Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly
draw on that preparation and other information known about the topic to explore ideas
under discussion.
- Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles.
- Pose and respond to specific questions to clarify or follow up on information, and
make comments that contribute to the discussion and link to the remarks of others.
- Review the key ideas expressed and explain their own ideas and understanding in light
of the discussion.
- Paraphrase portions of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media
and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
- Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized
manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main
ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.
- Plan and deliver a narrative presentation that: relates ideas, observations, or recollections;
provides a clear context; and includes clear insight into why the event or experience
is memorable.
- Differentiate between contexts that call for formal English (e.g., presenting ideas)
and situations where informal discourse is appropriate (e.g., small-group discussion);
use formal English when appropriate to task and situation. (See grade 4 Language standards
1 and 3 for specific expectations.)
Reading Standards
Craft and Structure
- Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in
a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area. (See grade 4 Language standards 4–6 for additional expectations.)
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Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards for California Public Schools
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1.0 ARTISTIC PERCEPTION
Processing, Analyzing, and Responding to Sensory Information Through the Language
and Skills Unique to Theatre
- 1.2 Identify a character’s objectives and motivations to explain that character’s
behavior.
- 1.3 Demonstrate how voice (diction, pace, and volume) may be used to explore multiple
possibilities for a live reading. Examples: “I want you to go.” “I want you to go.” “I want you to go.”
2.0 CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Creating, Performing, and Participating in Theatre
Students apply processes and skills in acting, directing, designing, and scriptwriting
to create formal and informal theatre, film/videos, and electronic media productions
and to perform in them.
Development of Theatrical Skills
2.1 Demonstrate the emotional traits of a character through gesture and action.
Creation/Invention in Theatre
- 2.2 Retell or improvise stories from classroom literature in a variety of tones (gossipy,
sorrowful, comic, frightened, joyful, sarcastic).
- 2.3 Design or create costumes, props, makeup, or masks to communicate a character
in formal or informal performances.
5.0 CONNECTIONS, RELATIONSHIPS, APPLICATIONS
Connecting and Applying What Is Learned in Theatre, Film/Video, and Electronic Media
to Other Art Forms and Subject Areas and
to Careers
Students apply what they learn in theatre, film/video, and electronic media across
subject areas. They develop competencies and creative skills in problem solving, communication,
and time management that contribute to lifelong learning and career skills. They also
learn about careers in and related to theatre.
Connections and Applications
- 5.1 Dramatize events in California history.
- 5.2 Use improvisation and dramatization to explore concepts in other content areas.
Careers and Career Related Skills
5.3 Exhibit team identity and commitment to purpose when participating in theatrical
experiences.
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Essential Questions
- Is the Rule of Law necessary for peaceful coexistence? Explain.
- Do rules protect freedoms? If so, in what ways?
- Does a democracy require the participation of the people? Explain.
- In what ways does the government get its power from the people?
- In what ways are people challenged to work together and does the structure of the
government help people to solve issues?
Objective(s)
- Students will analyze the implications of the Compromise of 1850 and the Fugitive
Slave Act as it relates to an authentic issue.
- Students will write summarizing statements recounting relevant experience and using
accurate facts and details in an organized manner.
- Students will write persuasive/opinions supported by reasons and explanation.
- Students identify a character’s objectives and motivations to dramatize that character’s
behavior.
- Student’s demonstrate their understanding of court processes through simulation and
addition of dialogue to the mock trial.
- Students demonstrate the ability to effectively collaborate and work together following
agreed upon rules for group behavior.
Assessment
These objectives will be assessed through the student’s contributions to the writing
of a mock trial and their artistic performance of the same.
| Quality Criteria |
Absolutely! |
Almost! |
Not Yet |
| “Character” was maintained and believable. Use of props and simple costume pieces
were appropriate.
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| Effective collaboration including coming prepared, listening, speaking, and adding
points to conversation in an organized manner and following agreed upon rules is evident.
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| Students understand the processes of a court trial as observed through their performance
and addition to script.
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| Writing and group discussions reflect understanding that citizenship calls for civic
responsibility for order and group survival.
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| Essay supports student point of view with reasons and details. |
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| The opinion is clearly stated using the organizational structure provided, and related
ideas are grouped to support purpose.
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| Reasons are supported by facts based on the law and details of the case. |
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| Linking words are used to support opinion, such as: for instance, in order to, in
addition.
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| A conclusion statement related to the opinion is included. |
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Materials and Resources Needed
Learning Activities
(50-60 minutes)
HOOK (5 MINUTES)
Slide 41 and 42: This is a photo of an actual courtroom from the days of the early development of
California.
Ask yourself: What are the laws in this case that must be considered before you enter
this courtroom?
Have students share out and review: Compromise of 1850 – California is a free state, Fugitive Slave Act ~ if a fugitive slave escapes, even to a free state, he/she can
be captured with a warrant, or without a warrant (if taken to the court), African
Americans cannot testify in court, or have a court trial by jury. Remember that kidnapping
is taking someone forcefully, aware that they were not fugitives. Proven beyond a
reasonable doubt, all 12 jurors must agree.
WHOLE GROUP (10 MINUTES)
Slide 43: Under the Rule of Law, even Cut Eye Higgins, whom we have known to be a scoundrel
in the past, is deserving of a fair trial. He is innocent until proven guilty. He is not “guilty” until proven so, beyond a reasonable doubt by the jury. Discuss (this means each juror may have a small amount of doubt, but
are almost positive that he committed the kidnapping)
- Who is the jury? (In most court cases, the jury decides on the verdict, and the judge
decides on the sentence)
- What if citizens did not show up, or refused to serve jury duty? Do citizens have
a responsibility to get involved? What if it is not convenient for them?
- Our government depends on its’ citizens to work together for it to be successful,
just as you have worked together to make this unit successful.
- Remember our civil discourse practice? Sentence starters? Roles in groups? Use
all of these tools to be effective in helping to finish writing this mock trial
OPENING STATEMENTS (15 MINUTES)
Slide 44: The opening statements in this trial will give a summary of the facts of the case
and what your position will be as one of the attorneys. Each student should write
their own opening statement, with half the group assigned to prosecution,and half
to the defense. This will give the teacher the opportunity to check the writing of
individual students. They may then meet in the two attorney groups, prosecution and
defense, and make decisions on their final opening statement as an attorney group.
The final summary may be one of your teammates, and/or a combination of some of your
group’s summaries. Discuss together and have your decision made for an opening statement. Write
in your group’s very best opening statement.
READ-THROUGH UP TO THE COURT RECESS (10 MINUTES)
Slide 45: In groups of eight, for this first read-through, you will be reading up until the judge calls a recess.. A read-through is important in becoming familiar with the drama storyline. You
are not on stage yet, acting it out, you are reading through the dialogue together
in partners. In this case, the read-through is important to learn and become familiar
with new vocabulary. We will discuss vocabulary after the read-through.
Your scripts will show additional missing dialogue, specifically the attorney’s, opening
(and closing arguments we will address later). You have written your own opening,
giving a summary of the case to the jurors from the attorneys. Stop the read-through at the recess called by the judge as shown on the script.
RECESS (10 MINUTES)
Slide 46: Pull group back to your attention:
After learning of new information at the trial, you must spend some time analyzing
Exhibit A, the Warrant, and Exhibit B, the Free Papers. Examine them both very carefully.
What do you notice that may have an affect on the arguments you make, or that the
defense attorney might make?
Teachers: Delving questions as needed:
Which came first, the warrant, or the Free Papers? Would this make a difference?
How? Do the exhibits look official? What do you know about the exhibits? In what
way would this help the defense or the prosecution? Will Exhibit A and/or B influence
your closing arguments?
CLOSING ARGUMENTS (20 MINUTES)
Slide 47: The closing arguments in a courtroom are very much like the three details and facts
you used to persuade in your essay. After reading the remainder of the trial, and
filling in what you think should be in the missing dialogue sections, decide upon
the best closing arguments. Use the arguments from your essays, or change what you
had written for the trial ~ afterall, you have new evidence! Turn your final script
to me.
Our next read-through will be using the most detailed scripts, so work carefully to
consider the facts, the law, and solid persuasion based on both the evidence and law!
Teacher Note: Groups of 8 will play roles in the next read-through which will include
the closing statements and the trial that follows the Recess where you left off before (and include the new exhibits). Choose as many well-written
versions of the trial (with student’s arguments as the number of groups you will have.
Make copies for students in each group (there are 8 parts). If you already know which
roles each student will play, they may bring props from home for the read-through
in character, and/or you can bring small items such as neck ties (Praiseworthy or
defense attorney), or jackets for woman attorney, plaid shirts, funky hats (which
Judge should ask them to remove in court), etc.
HOOK (15 MINUTES)
Side 48:
I need a volunteer to come to the front and decide on a way to demonstrate the character
of Cut Eye Higgins as he steals money from a person’s back pocket.
(Class discusses “character”: motivation, objective, physical movements, emotional,
facial expression, dialogue (if applicable) For example, Cut Eye might laugh in an
evil way after slipping the money from the pocket –or say something such as, “Ha,
they will never know what happened.”
Have everyone stand – walk about the room as Thomas, who has just discovered his family
is gone! (no dialogue)
Pose or freeze as Mrs. Clapp, who is watching the Jacksons being driven away in the
back of the wagon.
Walk as if you are Praiseworthy, entering court as the prosecuting attorney.
Everyone sits: Have a “review” discussion about staying in character, analyzing
the individual’s motivation, objective, looks, feelings, speaks, and moves. (In order
to be believable)
Read Through in Character: (15 minutes)
In groups of 8, have students complete the mock trial (in character) where they left
off before recess.
PART 2 (40 MINUTES)
THEATRE EXERCISE: CHARACTER (5 MINUTES)
Slide 49:
Using a civil discussion, either use whole group discussion or small group on the
guilt or innocence of Cut-Eye. Each point made, must be related to the Kidnapping
Law, Fugitive Slave Act, Compromise of 1850, and how the details and actions of the
case relate to the same.
It is assumed that Cut-Eye will be found guilty by the class! Follow the following
podcast to bring closure to the unit.
Closing: (Podcast)
Pass out the podcast script for students to read along ~ and this time, Sing-a-long!
After the song and laughter, the podcast closes the unit closes with a final letter
from Louise Clapp. This is an important closure and reflection for the unit.
Note: A positive outcome for African Americans was rare – this case with Praiseworthy and
the children taking civic action for the Jackson family would not have likely happened
at the time, although there are a few documented cases of trials involving kidnapping
(Stovall v. Lee). With it not being legal for minorities to testify in court, or
bring their cases to the judicial system, laws were broken, minorities were not represented,
and justice was NOT equal for all.
****Teachers: Please take photographs and send them to literacyandthelaw.com Also,
please send your ideas, comments, samples of student work. With a parent “release”
I can post some on our website. I will send the release on request.
Slide 50: Reflection (handout available) This written reflection, when given the time, can
be valuable as an assessment tool ~ and also cements learning. You may wish to have
students write individually and then share with a partner.
Bibliography of books for your Gold Rush Library: (Unfinished)
Dannenberg, Julie, Women Writers of the West,Fulcrum Publishing ISBN1-55591-464-0
Levy, JoAnn, They Saw the Elephant, Women in the California Gold Rush, ISBN p-208-02273-2
Rawls, Jim, Dame Shirley and the Gold Rush, Steck-Vaughn Company ISBN 0-8114-8062-3
