Lessons

American Bar Association Division for Public Education
Teaching Activities for High School Students
Features several brief teaching activities for high school students on the American jury system and jury trial rights. Includes links to two activities from the National Constitution Center ( www.constitutioncenter.org): "A Comparative Analysis of Jury Systems" and "Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen: A Jury Selection Simulation."

Bill of Rights Institute
Lessons on the jury at this site include "An Impartial Jury," and "John Peter Zenger: Truth Is a Defense,". Short readings are followed by questions for discussion and links to further resources.

The Civic Mind: "Right to an Impartial Jury"
This lesson plan for grades 7-9 helps students understand the Sixth Amendment (right to trial by an impartial jury) by having them discuss a criminal jury trial in the news and analyze the jury selection process.

Constitutional Rights Foundation-Chicago: "The American Jury: Bulwark of Democracy"
Comprehensive website on the American jury system and its role in American legal, social, and political life. Includes lessons, information, and resources developed by the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago with high school teachers in cooperation with national experts and scholars on the jury system.

National Constitution Center: The Responsibility of the Jury
Lesson for middle- and high school students focuses on the meaning of responsibility and civic duty by focusing on the role of the juror and participating in jury duty.

Texas Young Lawyers Association: "We the Jury"
This curriculum educates high school students about the importance of juries in our democratic society. Includes what it means to be a juror, how jurors are selected, and the role that a juror plays in a trial. Students participate in a mock jury selection process and then view a mock trial for which they serve as jurors. Includes video, which is available through the TYLA office.