This week we will be learning more about the Judicial Branch and how the court system works. We will begin with an in-depth analysis of the characteristics between a Civil and Criminal case. We will further elaborate on how a jury is selected. We will also being our Mock Trial Case assignments. I am still looking for volunteers to be attorneys. Remember EVERYONE will participate in at least one of the cases. Be prepared to put your acting caps on!

AZ STATE STANDARDS COVERED THIS WEEK!

3SS C2 HS PO7- Analyze the structure, powers and roles of Judicial Branch of the United States:

c. Dual court system of state and federal courts.

3SS C4– HS  PO3 Examine the basic political and social responsibilities of citizenship:

a. Connections between self-interest and common good

b. Upholding the Constitution

c. Obeying the law, serving on juries, pay taxes, vote, military service

3SS C4- HS PO 4 Demonstrate the skills and knowledge (e.g., group problem solving, public speaking, petitioning and protesting) needed to accomplish public purposes. 

NO SCHOOL- MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY!

BELLWORK

1. If you were going to recommend a person for a very important job what qualities would you look for?

2. What characteristics should a good leader possess?

3. What characteristics do you possess that would make you a good leader?

CLASSWORK

1. Discuss bellwork responses

2. Begin/continue notes on  Civil and Criminal cases. 

3. Review the process of how a jury is selected. 

4. Identify key factors in a civil case and criminal case. 

HOMEWORK- DUE MONDAY, JANUARY 23RD AND JANUARY 24TH

Current event - Find an article regarding the Judicial Branch. Write a 1/2 page summary about the article and include how this article pertains to the Judicial Branch. Include the article with the summary. (10 points summary, 5 points how pertains to topic, 10 points for the article)

BELLWORK- NOTES REVIEW

1. What are the differences between a civil and criminal case?

2. What are some similarities?

3. How is the jury selected? (List all steps.) Why is selecting the jury so important?

*** Bellwork activity - Selecting a jury for the O.J. Simpson case.

CLASSWORK

Use the textbook " Government by the People" and answer the following questions. 

CLASS ASSIGNMENT – Texbook – “Government by the People” Read pages 323 The Politics of Judicial Selection to page 327.

Answer the following questions: On a separate sheet of paper, then staple the questions to your responses. This is DUE AT THE END OF CLASS.

1. Who are the principle figures involved in judicial selection? 

2. What does senatorial courtesy mean?

3. Who are some groups or organizations that monitor potential judicial candidates?

4. According to the text who is the current chair of the Judiciary Committee?

5. How many presidential nominations has the Senate refused to confirm?

6. Which president nominated Robert Bork?

7. What may have been one reason Bork was not confirmed?

8. How did the Bork situation change the way potential Supreme Court Justices handle questioning?