These lessons provide a basic introduction to the three branches of government, the role of a judge, and provide time for students to ask the judge questions about careers in law.
Embedded Files
Grades 3–5
This was the most requested lesson in the past 2 years! Invite a judge to introduce to your students the 3 branches of government.
Languages: English, Spanish, and Mandarin
Grades 5–8
Similar to No Animals but programmed for older learners. This lesson prompts students to consider the intent behind lawmakers when creating a law. Through case scenarios, students analyze the application of a law banning vehicles from a public park.
Languages: English and Spanish
6th and 7th Amendments
6th and 7th Amendments
Grades 5–8
A lesson on the 3 branches of government and the Bill of Rights.
This lesson comes with scripts for students to reenact the trials.
Languages: English and Spanish
4th Amendment
4th Amendment
Grades 9–12
The "Cellphone Case" : Lesson plan provides steps for your visit, including suggested talking points to engage dialogue and facilitating group breakouts.
Languages: English and Spanish
Grades 6–12
This lesson examines how voting rights expanded following the ratification of the Constitution. Students will learn about the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, also known as the Reconstruction Amendments, as well as more modern attempts to bring voting rights to all.
In a one-hour presentation, students will receive a basic introduction to the U.S. Constitution, beginning with the early challenges our Founding Fathers faced in the New World.
Designed as an engaging starting point for students in 5th grade, the presentation helps them understand why the Constitution was created, how it works, and the intentions of its framers.
Taken up a level for grades 6-12, students will receive much of the same information but with more opportunity to think critically about the founding of our nation, and for the presenter to hold conversation with the class.
First Amendment
First Amendment
Grades 5–8
This lesson introduces students to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, exploring its five key freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. Students will examine how students have fought for these rights in groundbreaking cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights
Amendments 1-10
Amendments 1-10
Under Construction
Languages: English and Spanish
6th and 7th Amendments
6th and 7th Amendments
Grades 5–8
Reenactment | Courtroom or Classroom
This lesson brings the past to life with a reenactment that may take place in a classroom or courtroom. This lesson introduces the Women's Suffrage movement and the activities that led to the arrest of Susan B. Anthony. Scripts are provided for the teacher to assign acting roles for students to reenact the trials.
14th Amendment
Grades 6–12
Take students back to the 1940s when the style of dress brought 21 young men to court facing murder charges in People v. Zammora. This lesson will bring students a better understanding of the 14th Amendment's right to due process, as well as the state court system, the three branches of government, and the role of a judge.
Grades 11–12
The When You Turn 18: A Legal Survival Guide helps California teens understand the real-world laws that come with adulthood—everything from signing leases and driving to voting, digital privacy, and relationships. This presentation was created using content and elements contained in the print guide created by the California Lawyers Foundation. To present this lesson, judges may edit the presentation and choose the topics they wish to cover.
4th Amendment
4th Amendment
Grades 3-5, 6–12
Help commemorate two of California's most celebrated rights advocates. By studying the movement, your students will gain a deeper understanding of the First Amendment, the state court system, the Three Branches of Government, and the role of a judicial officer.
Languages: English and Spanish
4th Amendment
4th Amendment
Grades 5-12
Help commemorate two of California's most celebrated rights advocates. By studying the movement, your students will gain a deeper understanding of the First Amendment, the state court system, the Three Branches of Government, and the role of a judicial officer.
From Our Partners:
The California Lawyers Association developed this toolkit for use in the classroom in 2020 to accompany any discussion around the U.S. Constitution, the right to vote (generally or women’s right to vote). This toolkit focuses on the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment (providing women with the right to vote), is intended for the 5th Grade audience and includes:
▪ A PowerPoint presentation with Speakers Notes
▪ Activity to accompany an Ice Breaker Exercise at Slide 5
▪ Additional information that addresses how the Spanish Flu of 1918 may have contributed to the passage of the 19th Amendment.
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