The Judicial Branch

Students will learn about the federal and state courts and what they do. They will explore the courts’ role in fairly settling disputes and administering justice, and the unique role of the U.S. Supreme Court in interpreting the U.S. Constitution.

View our Constitution Explained video series for short-form videos to share with students about the judicial and other branches of government.

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Lesson Plan

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that affirmed the Court’s power of judicial review. Students learn how Congress tried to add to the Supreme Court’s Constitutional power, how the Supreme Court rejected the idea that it has any power beyond what’s listed in the Constitution, and how the Court’s exercise of judicial review in this case made the judicial branch equal to the other two branches. Students then learn that even when the Supreme Court declares a law unconstitutional, Congress has options for moving the law forward.
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WebQuest

Let's Talk About Independence

From how judges are selected to their job security, the Constitution put in place interesting protections to ensure that our third branch of government could rule impartially. In this WebQuest, students explore what it means to have an independent judiciary.
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Lesson Plan

The "Supreme" in Supreme Court

In this lesson, students compare Ben Brewer’s fictional case in “Supreme Decision” with a real-life case involving a student. Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
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Simulation

Supreme Decision: Due Process

Guide your students through the fictional case of Jamie Johnson, a high school student who was suspended after a student protest got out of hand. Students will assume the roles of Petitioner, Respondent, or Justice as they examine the Fourteenth Amendment right to due process and apply the precedent of Goss v. Lopez to answer the question: Does the Constitution protect Jamie’s right to due process before a suspension from school?Each simulation can be played through in 60-80 minutes. Want to divide the session over two class periods? Supreme Decision lets your class easily pick up where they…
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Simulation

Supreme Decision: Free Speech

Guide your students through the fictional case of Ben Brewer, a high school student who was suspended for violating the school dress code. Students will assume the roles of Petitioner, Respondent, or Justice as they examine the First Amendment right to free speech and apply the precedent of Tinker v. Des Moines to answer the question: Does the Constitution protect Ben’s right to wear a band T-shirt to school?Each simulation can be played through in 60-80 minutes. Want to divide the session over two class periods? Supreme Decision lets your class easily pick up where they left off.Download…
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WebQuest

The Courts in a Nutshell

In this WebQuest, students look at all levels of both the state and federal court systems. They learn about jurisdiction, look up the courts in their own state, find out what federal appellate circuit they live in, and investigate the current U.S. Supreme Court justices.
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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!
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Lesson Plan

Trial and Appeal (Infographic)

Most cases start and end in trial court, but what if there's an error? Show students how a case works its way up in this printable poster for your classroom!iCivics en español! A version of this infographic is available in Spanish along with a Spanish Teacher’s Guide.
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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?
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Game

Branches of Power

Learn to control all three branches of the U.S. government!
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Lesson Plan

Judges: Playing Fair

This mini-lesson takes a look at the role of fair and impartial courts in American life. Students learn about how judges are selected and held accountable. It also looks at how judges focus on the facts in order to keep things fair. This resource is accompanied by a short video from the Informed Voters Project.
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WebQuest

Supreme Interpreters

What does it mean to interpret the Constitution? Why is interpretation necessary? Who gets to do it? In this WebQuest, students explore the answers to these questions and more. Using examples from the First and Eighth Amendments, students try their own hand at interpreting sticky situations—and compare their findings to actual Supreme Court opinions.** This WebQuest was formerly called “You Be the Judge.” It has been updated to offer students a deeper look at the Supreme Court's role interpreting the Constitution and to better complement our lesson “Interpreting the Constitution.” You do not…
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Lesson Plan

Stipulating Speech

What does the phrase “freedom of speech” really mean? This lesson outlines the types of speech the First Amendment does and does not protect. Students also examine the Supreme Court’s rulings regarding hate speech in five historic cases. After analyzing the decisions, students apply the Court’s reasoning to the issue of student speech codes on college campuses. The lesson also serves as springboard for a class discussion on these controversial questions: Do speech codes violate students’ First Amendment rights? Should public colleges allow hate groups to recruit on campus?
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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!
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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.
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