Embedded Files
Grade Level: Grades 9–12
Grade Level: Grades 9–12
Time: One class period (approximately 50 minutes)
Time: One class period (approximately 50 minutes)
Tips:
This is an advanced lesson. Students should be confident in their understanding of the Constitution and how the three branches are structured. Time spent reviewing the three branches of government should focus on the judicial branch, and the role of the courts.
For virtual delivery, you should appear onscreen as much as possible, especially when you introduce yourself and describe your path.
Talk to the teacher about calling on students, especially for virtual or hybrid visits.
For hybrid visits, dialogue may be more difficult if students don't speak loudly. Ask the teacher to remind students to speak up, or repeat student responses, if necessary.
Instruction:
Brush up on the case: San Diego Union-Tribune and Oyez.org
Meet with the teacher in advance to discuss the needs of the class. Be sure to go over who will advance the slides and who will call on students when there is a question, or response.
Each slide has notes for you to consider. You may edit to fit your teaching style.
There is an optional activity (see Lesson Plan). Try to make time to use it, feedback shows the students like it! Before your visit, go over the activity with the teacher so she can plan in advance.
Presentation & Handouts
Presentation & Handouts
RileyvCaliforniaPP_JIRC.pptxWhat You Will Need:
Lesson Plan (includes delivery tips and activity instructions)
Riley v. California PowerPoint (this PDF presentation with notes file is for you to print and markup, as needed) | Spanish version (notes in English)
Handout 3 (Activity: "You Be the Judge")
What The Teacher Will Need:
The handouts are available to teachers on the JudgesintheClassroom site.
Handout 1 (3 Branches of Government)
Handout 2 (Case Background)
Handout 3 (Activity: "You Be the Judge")
Discuss with the teacher the class' level of understanding the content of Handout 1. If the needs a primer, ask the teacher to give the handout to the class ahead of time for them to review. The content is included on the slides. Your time should be spent on the judicial branch, your position, and how state courts differ from federal, etc.
If the teacher wishes to prepare the class in advance, these additional materials may be shared with the teacher. They may also help you prepare for your visit:
Inside the Case
Waiting for the Court's Decision
After the Decision: How the Court Decided
Audio links to the oral arguments, and opinion announcement.
Facts of the Case, Question, and Conclusion summaries
Feedback forms! This is how we continue to make improvements. Make sure you share and collect:
"The presentation was very successful. The children were engaged and excited about the lesson. We were asked to present the Riley lesson plan (which is normally presented to 9-12 grade) to 7th graders. Despite the fact that the material was tailored for much older students they did a great job. In the future, it would be helpful to have a different lesson plan geared toward 7th/8th graders if possible. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I would be happy to do it again."
"The visit was a hit. The students, teacher and school principal actively participated. The PowerPoint slides were useful during the lecture segment. Towards the end of the presentation, the students discussed the legal issues in groups of 4 or 5. Afterwards, a designated leader in each group (Chief Justice) made a presentation, indicating how their "court" ruled on the issue. The collaborative, interactive lesson was meaningful to them. Some of the students indicated a desire to pursue law as a career."
If you presented this lesson and have Feedback, tell us about it here
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