Law in American Society 2006-07

Lincoln Park High School

Ms. Donald, Mr. Crown

State Standards:

  1. Understand and explain basic principles of the United States government. (14.A)
  2. Understand the structures and functions of the political systems of Illinois, the United States and other nations. (14.B)
  3. Understand election processes and responsibilities of citizens. (14.C)
  4. Understand the roles and influences of individuals and interest groups in the political systems of Illinois, the United States and other nations. (14.D)
  5. Understand the development of United States political ideas and traditions (14.F)
  6. Explain the costs and benefits of making consumer purchases through different means (e.g. credit, cash). (15.B.4a)

Course Objective: In this class, students will:

1.       Develop a fuller understanding of the fundamental principles of the American legal system, including the criminal, civil, family and juvenile justice systems, the trial process, housing laws, and their essential rights and liberties under the Constitution.

2.       Demonstrate a command of the basic legal vocabulary.

3.       Understand and discuss the process by which laws are written, administered, enforced and interpreted.

4.       Increase their reading comprehension through their reading of the text and supplemental materials, including articles, summaries of trials, and case studies.

5.       Enhance their critical thinking skills by working on their ability to analyze a text (i.e. compare and contrast, determine cause and effect) and to articulately express their ideas in writing.

6.       Become informed citizens through their analysis of past and current issues in American law and their discussions of how to approach these issues.

 

Course Methodology:  Class time will divided between the following methodologies:

1.       Teacher-centered activities such as lectures (with student note-taking), audio-visual aids, and guest speakers,

2.       Student-centered and cooperative learning activities such as class discussions, small group work, individual and/or group projects, student debates, simulations and mock trials, and the development of a student portfolio,

3.       Focused reading and writing activities designed to improve students’ abilities as readers and writers,

4.       Research-based activities, including but not limited to, the creation of a displayable long-term research project for the Social Studies Fair in February (H/HH only)

5.       Assessments including reviews, quizzes, and tests.

 

Units:   1st quarter— Introduction to Law and the Legal System/Constitutional Law

             2nd quarter—Criminal Law and Juvenile Justice

             3rd quarter—Housing and Consumer Law

             4th quarter—Family Law/Real Estate Law

           

Texts/Materials:  Street Law is the primary text for this course.  It will be supplemented with articles, case studies, and other outside readings.  Students will also be required to purchase a binder or folder which will serve as their portfolio for the class.  Students must keep all handouts, assignments, homework, class notes, quizzes, and tests in their portfolio and bring it to class every day.  The purpose of the portfolio is to help students stay organized and ensure they have all needed materials for class and for preparing for tests and quizzes.  Throughout the school year, the teachers will conduct checks of the portfolio, at their discretion. 

 

Fees:  There is a $12 fee for this course.

 

Requirements and Expectations:

1. Homework Policy:  Homework will be assigned most nights.  Assignments will include reading and problems from the text, supplemental readings, writing assignments, and projects.  Timely completion of homework is essential for student success. 

2.  Late Work Policy:  Homework is due on the day specified by the teacher.  Late work will be accepted next day for half credit, and for no credit following that.

                                                               i.      It is the student’s responsibility to approach the teacher for  make up work and to re-schedule tests for excused absences.  Makeup tests will be taken at a time determined by the teacher.

3.       Grading System: Grades will be based on homework, projects, tests, quizzes, portfolio, attendance, and class participation.  Specific point distributions for each of these will be determined by the individual teacher.

4.   Academic Dishonesty:  Academic dishonesty occurs when students obtain or assist others in obtaining credit for work which is not their own, or when a student gains an unfair advantage on a test, paper, project, or other assignment.  Students committing academic dishonesty will receive a zero on the assignment or test and parents will be notified.  This behavior will not be tolerated.