Sources of Law

Lesson Plan

Where do laws come from? This lesson teaches students about the sources, types, and unique systems of law that exist in the United States. Students learn about sources of law from the Constitution to local ordinances. They also compare and contrast civil and criminal law and peek into the special systems of military and juvenile justice.

Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!

Teacher Resources

Get access to lesson plans, teacher guides, student handouts, and other teaching materials.

Sources of Law Lesson Plan - Where Do Laws Come From - 1

Sources of Law Lesson Plan - Where Do Laws Come From - 2

Sources of Law Lesson Plan - Where Do Laws Come From - 3

I find the materials so engaging, relevant, and easy to understand – I now use iCivics as a central resource, and use the textbook as a supplemental tool. The games are invaluable for applying the concepts we learn in class. My seniors LOVE iCivics.

Lynna Landry , AP US History & Government / Economics Teacher and Department Chair, California

Related Resources

Lesson Plan

Appellate Courts: Let's Take It Up

Students learn the purpose of appellate-level courts and how those courts operate differently from the trial courts most people are familiar with from watching television. By following the case of a real middle school girl who was strip searched at school, students find out what happens when someone takes a case all the way to the Supreme Court. Through this case, students learn about the structure of the federal court system and the way appellate courts decide cases.Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
View
Game

Argument Wars

Argue real Supreme Court cases, and put your lawyering skills to the test.
View
Lesson Plan

Argument Wars Extension Pack

Make your students’ game play more meaningful by using our activity and assessment set designed specifically for Argument Wars. This easy-to-use Extension Pack helps you give context and purpose to the game, as well as reinforce and assess the game concepts. That means deeper learning for students, and best practices around game-centered learning for you!
View
Game

Branches of Power

Learn to control all three branches of the U.S. government!
View
Game

Court Quest

Navigate our court system and guide citizens to the right place.
View
Lesson Plan

Court Quest Extension Pack

Make your students’ game play more meaningful by using our activity and assessment set designed specifically for Court Quest. This easy-to-use Extension Pack helps you give context and purpose to the game, as well as reinforce and assess the game concepts. That means deeper learning for students, and best practices around game-centered learning for you! This Extension Pack uses Google Slides and is designed for use with projectors or interactive whiteboards.
View
Lesson Plan

Double Take: The Dual Court System

Does your state court system feel oddly similar to our federal one? Chances are it does, but there may still be some differences. In this lesson, students learn how our country came to have a dual court system and explore how the state and federal levels of that system work. But wait, there's more! Reinforce key concepts using our Kahoot!Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
View
WebQuest

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?
View
Lesson Plan

Interpreting the Constitution

Students learn that you can't take constitutional language at face value. Those phrases we read in the Bill of Rights, such as "cruel and unusual punishment" or being a "witness" against yourself, have specialized meaning based on years of interpretation by the Supreme Court.Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
View
Lesson Plan

James Bond in a Honda (Mock Trial)

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. Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
View