The Judicial Branch

The judicial branch includes the nation’s courts, whose job it is to ensure the government follows the law. Courts also settle disagreements between different groups, and the Supreme Court has the final word in settling disagreements about what the U.S. Constitution means! Here you’ll get to see if you can argue like a lawyer or make fair decisions like a judge.

Resources cover the structure and function of the courts, including the federal and state court systems and the legal issues that they address.

 

Lesson Plans Games Web Quests
We have a variety of lesson plans designed to fit your classroom.
All Plans
Judicial Branch in a Flash!
Summary:
Need to teach the judicial branch in a hurry? In this lesson, students learn the basics of our judicial system, including the functions of the trial court, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court...
Concepts:
Federal court system; state court systems; civil and criminal cases; trial court; appellate courts; Supreme Court; judicial review
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Judicial Deep Dive
Summary:
Students explore the distinctions between the federal and state judicial systems. Hypothetical litigants Freddy Federal and State Court Sam (two fish friends hailing from Hawaii) help students...
Concepts:
Federal judicial system; state judicial system; District Court; Court of Appeals; Supreme Court; state courts; certiorari
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James Bond in a Honda: Trial Simulation Lesson
Summary:
Students participate in a scripted fictional trial based on a real case in which the producers of James Bond films sued Honda for creating an ad that looked way too much like a James Bond movie....
Concepts:
Trial process; rule of law; role of the jury; evidence; applying the law
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Court Quest Court Quest In Court Quest, people from around the country need your help to navigate our court system. Listen carefully to each case, so you can guide them to the right place!
We The Jury We The Jury Have fun deciding a tough case while learning about what jurors discuss in the deliberation room.
Do I Have a Right? Do I Have a Right? In Do I Have A Right?, you’ll run your own firm of lawyers who specialize in constitutional law.
Argument Wars Argument Wars Ever tried to win a disagreement? In Argument Wars, you will try out your persuasive abilities by arguing a real Supreme Court case.
Supreme Decision Supreme Decision Ever wondered how the Supreme Court really works? In Supreme Decision, you help cast the deciding vote.
In the Courts
In the Courts

Our Judicial Branch has a big job! Do you think you have what it takes to be a judge and get the job done? 

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The Courts in a Nutshell
The Courts in a Nutshell

Where does the court system's power come from? Where should you take your case? What happens if you want to appeal? These are important questions, and we've got the answers!

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You be the Judge!
You be the Judge!

After learning about real Supreme Court justices, you'll get to try out deciding some of the hardest cases they have had to figure out! See if you can do it.

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