Introduction to Law

Course Description:
Introduction to Law is a semester course open to all grade levels. Law is the foundation of our
society; this course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and
procedures of the state and federal legal system. While studying the courts, law enforcement as
a career, and the corrections system, students will become familiar with the terminology,
concepts, and procedures in the areas of criminal law. Landmark cases, case law, current
events, and simulations are used to examine the legal system from a social science point of
view.
Course Units/Pacing Guide
Unit
The Legal Process
Criminal Law

Approximate Number of Days

20-22
48-50

Resource: Street Law, 9th ed.

Prerequisite: none
Grade Level: 9-12
Associated AP Courses: Students may take Advanced Placement Government to continue
and deepen their study of the United States Government and legal system.

Intro to Law- Unit 1

The Legal Process

Standards
LRE 1.1 Students can identify how the role of law is essential in a democratic society.
LRE 1.2 Students can identify how laws are made, enforced and interpreted.
LRE1.4 Students will be able to differentiate the types of law including criminal, civil and
constitutional.
Understandings
Essential Questions
Laws serve a purpose and function in our
How does law influence our lives as individuals?
society.
Members of society choose to follow or not
follow laws.

How do we influence laws?

How does society protect or ensure our values?

Laws change as societys values change.

How are laws created?
How are disputes settled without going to court?
How is the court system structured to effectively
uphold societys values?
How does the trial process support due process?
Learning Targets (Students will be able to)
Compare and Contrast
State power vs federal power
criminal law vs civil law
beyond a reasonable doubt vs preponderance of evidence
Analyze court documents (i.e. court rulings)
Describe a sequence of events in law related procedures (i.e. trials, precedent appeals)
Content/Vocabulary
Laws
Influence conduct, Regulate behavior
Reflect values
Consequences

Court System
Levels
Functions
Appeals

Law Making
Federalism
Separation of powers

Trial Process
Plea bargain
Jury selection

Checks and balances

Legislative intent

Steps in a trial

Settling Disputes
Informal Talk
Mediation
Negotiation
Arbitration

Assessment
Assessment development will be ongoing.

Other forms of assessment include class discussion, homework assignments, individual and
group activities, quizzes

Intro to Law- Unit 2

Criminal Law
Standards

LRE 1.3 Students can understand the adversarial nature of legal systems, law
enforcement, and mechanisms for resolving disputes and conflicts in society.
LRE 1.5 Students can understand how laws provide for consequences and provide
punishments for crimes and other transgressions.
Understandings
Crime has a significant impact on society.
People commit crimes for various reasons.
Multiple factors must be considered when
deciding on the appropriate and legally
defensible punishment for crimes.

Essential Questions

What makes one crime more serious than

another?

How does the frequency of crime

impact society?

Why does crime happen in America?

Why is the state of mind of the

accused important?

Learning Targets (Students will be able to)

Explain how crime directly and indirectly affects all of us.
Describe why crimes are committed and how they are punished.
Identify that there are different consequences for crimes.
Explain how state of mind makes a difference in the penalty.
Content/Vocabulary

Laws
Influence conduct, Regulate behavior
Reflect values
Consequences

Court System
Levels
Functions
Appeals

Law Making
Federalism
Separation of powers
Checks and balances
Legislative intent

Trial Process
Plea bargain
Jury selection
Steps in a trial

Settling Disputes
Informal Talk
Mediation
Negotiation
Arbitration

Assessment
Assessment development will be ongoing.
Other forms of assessment include class discussion, homework assignments, individual and
group activities, quizzes