During the months of February and March, the 8th grade civics class studied the U.S. judicial system. Students learned about the federal court system, the Supreme Court, and the process of appointing judges. Students also had the opportunity to visit the Atlantic County criminal courts and witness an actual court session.
The unit concluded with mock trials of three court cases in the which students role-played lawyers, bailiffs, judges, jurors, and court reporters. Each student had the opportunity in at least one case to be part of the jury, watching the case unfold, reviewing the evidence, deliberating the case, and returning a verdict.
After studying the court system, visiting an active court room, and participating in the mock trials, many students were very surprised and excited to learn of the different criminal justice career opportunities.