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Introduction to Law

Introduction to Law

Course Description

This course is designed to acquaint students with the basic legal principles relevant to their roles as citizens, consumers, and employees through a mixture of personal, business and consumer law. The content includes the basic characteristics of the American system of free enterprise, rights of private citizens, basic elements of the legal system, different court systems, family and juvenile justice law and basic elements of a contract.

Grade Level(s):  9-12

Related Priority Standards (State &/or National): BMIT - Business Education

Course Expectations & Rationale: 

Students will develop or improve their basic understanding of law and the foundation of the American legal system.

Students will use clear, concise, and grammatically correct language as they employ appropriate formats in writing responses to scenarios related to current events and legal proceedings.

Students will create compelling arguments on a variety of Supreme Court cases. They will select, organize, and effectively deliver information with appropriate language, articulation, and visual supporting materials. 

Students will develop their ability to listen; to contribute to team performance; to plan and participate in group discussions around legal issues and the court systems. 

Students will analyze in depth a variety of cases presented to the United States Supreme Court based on the Bill of Rights.

Course Essential Questions:

  • What is the role of law in society?

  • What are justice and injustice?

  • What is the purpose of law?

  • How do laws balance the needs of individuals?

  • What is the difference between civil and criminal law?

  • What are courtroom procedures?

  • What rights do juveniles have?

  • Why is the Bill of Rights important it today's legal system?

Enduring Understandings, Goals, & Objectives: 

  • Students will explain the relationship between laws, ethics, and morals.  

  • Students will define law as it relates to a person’s rights and responsibilities.

  • Students will explain how the role of the justice system is to uphold the law and resolve conflicts. 

  • Students will become familiar with the selection and appoinmtent process of a new Supreme Court justice.

  • Students will read, interpret, and analyze federal court cases.

  • Students will conduct an in depth study of juvenlie cases.

  • Students will analyze legislation that regulates employment conditions. 

  • Students will deliver an effective oral presentation. 

  • Students will apply verbal communications skills in a mock court.

Course-Level Scope & Sequence (Units &/or Skills)

  • Unit 1:   Indroduction to Law - Students will gain a better understanding of the foundation of laws.
    • Concept 1:  How to know if a behavior is right or wrong.
      1. Students will define “ethical” and “unethical” behaviors.
      2. Students will evaluate their own ethical behaviors.
      3. Students will explain the relationship between laws, ethics and morals.
    • Concept 2:  Ethical Decision Making
      1. Students will research a corporate fraud case.
      2. Students will evaluate various unethical workplace scenarios.
      3. Students will identify ethical problems resulting from technological devices.
    • Concept 3:  Why laws are necessary
      1. Students will define law as it relates to a person's rights and responsibilities.
      2. Students will describe the relationship between historical law and today’s law. 
      3. Students will explain how the role of the justice system is to uphold the law and resolve conflicts.
  • Unit 2:  Sources of the Law - Students will analyze the basic freedoms of the Bill of Rights and the role of the US Supreme Court.
    • Concept 1: Who are the US Supreme Court Justices?
      1. Students will explore current and past justices.
      2. Students will become familiar with the selection and appointment process of a new justice.
      3. Students will gain an understanding of the role of the US Supreme Court.
    • Concept 2: The Bill of Rights
      1. Students will test their prior knowledge on the Bill of Rights.
      2. Students will define common law and its origins.
      3. Students will read and argue their stance on an amendment they think should be updated or changed.
  • Unit 3:  Structure of the Courts - Students will understand the function of the court.
    • Concept 1: Federal Courts
      1. Students will explain the structure of federal courts and types of cases presented.
      2. Students will evaluate the different types of courts and their locations.
      3. Students will read, interpret and analyze federal court cases.
    • Concept 2: State Courts
      1. Students will explain the structure of state courts and types of cases presented.
      2. Students will evaluate the different types of courts at the state level and their locations.
      3. Students will read, interpret and analyze state court cases.
  • Unit 4:  Criminal Trials - Students will identify the steps in a criminal trial. 
    • Concept 1: Crime Components
      1. Students will explain the difference between plaintiff, defendant, prosecutor and defense attorney.
      2. Students will identify crimes against people. 
      3. Students will identify crimes against property.
    • Concept 2: Steps of a Criminal Trial

      1. Students will understand how a case begins (arrest, court hearing, scheduled trial).

      2. Students will evaluate the difference between a grand jury and a petit jury.

      3. Students will understand the arraignment process.

      4. Students will learn the steps that take place during a trial and types of defense.
    • Concept 3: Case Analysis
      1. Students will read and analyze various criminal court cases and debate in socratic seminars. 
  • Unit 5:  Family and Juvenile Law -Students will study the juvenile court systems.
    • Concept 1: Juvenile Law Procedures and Cases
      1. Students will define juvenile and how a juvenile case differs from traditional case proceedings.
      2. Students will investigate the process of a juvenile case.
      3. Students will learn possible rulings. 
    • Concept 2: Juvenile Case Study
      1. Students will conduct an in depth study of juvenile cases. 
  • Unit 6:  Employment Law 
    • Concept 1: Employment Doctrine
      1. Students will explain the doctrine of employment-at-will.
      2. Students will describe wrongful discharge exceptions.
      3. Students will explain the employment doctrine of implied covenant.
    • Concept 2: Civil Rights and Employment
      1. Students will understand the Civil Rights Act and employment.
      2. Students will investigate the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
      3. Students will role play employer’s rights to free speech in the workplace.
      4. Students will identify what constitutes harassment in the workplace.
      5. Students will analyze legislation that regulates employment conditions.

Course Resources & Materials: DESE model curriculum: Business Law (CIP Code: 52.0101), www.ngpf.org & teacher created resources

Date Last Revised/Approved: April 2023