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May 01, 2014

Mediation and the Adversarial Process

Grade Level:

Elementary/Middle

Overview:

Students are first asked to resolve a hypothetical case via the adversary process. Each student is assigned the role of plaintiff, defendant, or judge. The plaintiff and defendant argue their case in turn, and the judge renders a decision. Students are then asked to reflect on the resolution. They are then instructed to resolve the same case via mediation, and to compare the two methods of dispute resolution.

 

Time needed:

One class period

 

Materials required:

Mediation and the Adversary Process Lesson Plan

 

National Curriculum Standards for Social Sciences, National Council for the Social Studies:

Theme 6: Power, Authority, and Governance

Theme 10: Civic Ideals and Practices