Monday (08.08.22): Brief introduction to class, take attendance, and introduce each other. Complete "Student Information Update" in TEAMS.
Tuesday (08.09.22): Let's take some time to review this website, as well as the syllabus (located below). Complete "Syllabus Review Work" in TEAMS.
Wednesday (08.10.22): As a primer, we will review the case of Ronald Cotton, all of its implications for our legal system... for better and worse.
Assignment: "Website Review Work" - due in TEAMS by Monday evening.
Thursday (08.11.22): Review Ronald Cotton case. Review class syllabus. Take the Ideological Survey (located below). Review NPR's piece.
Friday (08.12.22): Round table discussion based upon the survey results. PLEASE adjust your score as we discuss. Come up with a final tally!
We will be using the websites below for all of our work on the Constitution this semester:
We will be taking "The Ideological/ Political Survey" in class toward the beginning of the semester. I want you all to consider whether you lean liberal or conservative in American politics. The survey, as well as the piece from National Public Radio should help guide us through this process! Create a chart with "Liberalism" on one side and "Conservatism" on the other. Take notes as you listen to the piece from NPR.
Monday (08.15.22): Review the purpose and significance of the survey to this class. Continue discussions...
Tuesday (08.16.22): Continue discussions surrounding analysis of issues on the "Ideological Survey" (Items 1 - 16).
Wednesday (08.17.22): Finish class discussions concerning the survey (Items 17-31). Begin discussing meaning of the scores on the political spectrum.
Thursday (08.18.22): Complete discussions (Items 32-40). Take "Survey Closeout Assessment" in TEAMS and submit for an "Assessment Grade."
Friday (08.19.22): View the "Liberalism v. Conservatism Video" in class, complete review questions in TEAMS and discuss Monday.
Week Three: Laying the Foundation
Monday (08.22.22): Work in TEAMS to complete, "Website Review: The Heritage Foundation's Interactive Constitution." Due today.
Tuesday (08.23.22): Complete "Foundational Documents Challenge." Due tonight. If finished early, check out podcast below... good stuff.
Wednesday (08.24.22): Begin "The Constitutional Convention"... answer questions in TEAMS - Due Friday.
Thursday (08.25.22): Continue working on the guided reading questions about the Constitutional Convention... see podcast below if you've finished!
Friday (08.26.22): Submit "The Constitutional Convention" questions in TEAMS by tonight. Let's play"Two crimes and a lie!"
Thursday, September 17th is Constitution Day!!! If you have already completed the assignment "The Constitutional Convention," then please take time to listen to the podcast linked below conccerning the Revolutionary Era in American history:
Week Four: The Common Law - Introduction to Common Law
Monday (08.29.22): Introduction to judicial interpretation... introduce Associate Justices Breyer and Scalia. Begin video review in TEAMS.
Tuesday (08.30.22): Briefly discuss two prevailing judicial philosophies: "The Living Constitution" versus "Originalism."
Wednesday (08.31.22): Finish analysis of interview between Associate Justices Breyer and Scalia (posthumously). Submit in TEAMS today.
Thursday (09.01.22): Begin lecture "American Common Law." Please take class time to work on the "Blackstone Article" in TEAMS (Due Friday).
Friday (09.02.22): Continue lecture "American Common Law." Take time to work on Blackstone video review questions in TEAMS (Due Monday).
Associate Justice Antonin Scalia came to Rhodes September 22, 2015 to give a lecture entitled "Constitutional Interpretation." Seating was on a "first-come, first-serve" basis and White Station was well represented... click on the photo below for more information concerning this Supreme Court Justice, who passed away in February 2016 - UPDATE - Wednesday, January 26, 2022, we find out the Justice Breyer, under immense pressure from the Biden Administration, decides to retire from the Supreme Court:
Directions: Click on the link above to view a debate between these two Supreme Court justices concerning Constitutional interpretation. Make a chart as you view with Stephen Breyer/ "Evolutionism" on the left (liberal) and Antonin Scalia/ "Originalism" on theright (conservative).
Wednesday- We will begin a short lecture series. Please click on the button below to open the file as we disuss the history of our legal system. The links for the assignment concerning William Blackstone are found below as well. Answers due Monday at end of the day!
Anyone finished with the article concerning Sir William Blackstone, please take a few minutes to check out this video from Yale Law School:
Week Five: American Common Law's Deep Roots - The U.S. Constitution
Monday (01.31.22): Make-up work day! Please email me with the name of any assignments I need to re-grade in TEAMS.
Tuesday (02.01.22): View Jay Walking - Citizenship Test. Take time to watch interview of Edwin Meese III, read article, and answer Qs in TEAMS.
Wednesday (02.02.22): Complete article review in class today. Assignment due in TEAMS this evening.
Thursday (02.03.22): View Barney Fife's attempt at the Preamble. Take time to complete questions concerning the Preamble in TEAMS today.
Friday (02.04.22): Complete the preamble assignment in TEAMS and submit today for a grade.
Please click on the links below to view a short interview of Edwin Meese III, read the article, and answer the questions in TEAMS for Wednesday.
Just as Barney Fife had to memorize the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution to get through high school, you will be required to become more familiar with this incredible piece of writing. Although most Americans don't remember it as they thought they would from high school, perhaps you will be able to remember it's basic principles for a long time to come!
Week Six: The Constitution of the United States of America - Introduction
Monday (02.07.22): Discuss basic organization of the U.S. Constitution. Begin working on "Organization of the Constitution" in TEAMS - due tomorrow.
Tuesday (02.08.22): Discuss how knowledge and understanding accumulate. Introduce "The Constitutional Challenge." This will count as a test grade.
Wednesday (02.09.22): Begin Part I of the Constitutional Challenge. See documents and links below. Complete in TEAMS. We will discuss the first few.
Thursday (02.10.22): Continue working on Part 1 of the Challenge. Due in TEAMS by Friday evening. I will be answering questions as you work.
Friday (02.11.22): Begin working on Part II of the Challenge. This will be due by end of day Tuesday. Please ask questions for assistance.
Below you will find the "Constitutional Challenge" that you'll be working on this week. Please complete in TEAMS. It may be helpful to print out a copy to have it readily available as you research. Click on the link to the Heritage Foundation's Interactive Constitution to research the problems in the Challenge... You will submit all four parts of the Challenge over the next couple weeks. Late work will be reduced by twenty percent... Good Luck!
Part I is due in TEAMS by the end of the day Thursday (11:59 pm):
Part II is due in TEAMS by the end of the day Monday (11:59 pm):
Please use the links below to work through this week's assignments concerning the U.S. Constitution :
Week Seven: The Supreme Court (Introduction)
Monday (02.15.22): Introduce "Constitutional Challenge Part II" in TEAMS during class today. Due Wednesday. (Links under Week Six above)
Tuesday (02.16.22): Continue working on the Constitutional Challenge Part II in class today. This will count as an "Assessment Grade."
Wednesday (02.17.22): Finish working on Part II in class today. Be sure to submit answers by end of the day tomorrow. Some answers are subjective!
Thursday (02.18.22): Review documentary: "A Conversation on the Constitution with Chief Justice Roberts." Assignment in TEAMS due Friday.
Friday (02.19.22): Take time to complete responses to assignment in TEAMS - due today.
Week Eight: The Supreme Court - Judicial Independence
Monday (02.21.22): President's Day! No classes.
Tuesday (02.22.22): Begin working on documentary review: "A Conversation on the Supreme Court - Judicial Independence." Assignment in TEAMS.
Wednesday (02.23.22): Continue working on documentary review in TEAMS. See links below.
Thursday (02.24.22): Finish "A Conversation on the Supreme Court - Judicial Independence" in TEAMS during class. Due today.
Friday (02.25.22): Complete "Third Quarter Student Survey" in TEAMS. Due today.
Tuesday's Assignment: please take time to review the guided viewing questions and documentary links below :
The editorial linked to the right from The Atlantic is a really good overview of judicial independence in a highlycharged political era.
Week Nine: The Supreme Court
Monday (02.28.22):
Tuesday (03.01.22):
Wednesday (03.02.22):
Thursday (03.03.22):
Friday (03.04.22):
EVERYTHING BELOW THIS LINE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!!
We will be taking a review assessment in TEAMS at the end of this week, or the beginning of next week. Please make sure to pay attention, ask good questions, and take few notes as we work through this lecture.
On September 11, 2001, due to an unprovoked terrorist attack carried out by 19 Muslim extremists of the Al-Qaeda network in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania, America was changed forever. The powers of the American president and the congress came into question concerning the protections of the 4th and 8th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, as well as the role of the Supreme Court in determining the reach of the protections of the Bill of Rights. We will watch the 9/11 documentary in order to get everyone on the same page historically concerning this horrific event. Then, we will look at America's legal response, including the role of the three branches of our government under the U.S. Constitution. Please answer the questions below and submit for a Project Grade on the First Quarter... Good Luck.
Finished your work early this week? If so, then please take time to read the article linked below concerning Mercy Otis Warren - awesome reading from Smithsonian Magazine:
Part II is due in TEAMS by the end of the day Wednesday (11:59 pm):
Part III is due in TEAMS - After Fall Break!
Constitutional Connection: Question - what does it mean to "pack" the Supreme Court? Why is this such a hot topic in politics leading into the 2022mid-term elections? Please read the article linked below to better understand this topic that has been botched by the press:
Week Nine: Legal Controversy - Criminal Law
Monday (10.04.21): Please finalize responses on Part II today and submit before end of the day.
Tuesday (10.05.21): No classes today... Enjoy the day off!
Wednesday (10.06.21): Begin lecture series over "The Fast Food Killer." What are the differences between civil and criminal lawsuits? Discuss Liebeck.
Thursday (10.07.21): Continue lecture. Take notes in class. Complete chart in TEAMS - "The Goals of the American Legal System."
Friday (10.08.21): Documentary review: "Nightmare in Nashville." Discuss after Fall Break and continue with lecture notes. Complete survey inTEAMS.
Criminal Law:
Parties: Government prosectutes individuals for breaking law
Burden of Proof: "Beyond a reasonable doubt"
Resolutions: Fines, community service, prison, execution
Examples: theft, burglary, murder, fraud, bribery
Civil Law:
Parties - Plaintiff versus Defendant
Burden of Proof - "Preponderance of Evidence"
Resolutions - Compensatory, general, and punitive damages
Examples - contract, defamation, tort, divorce, malpractice
Use the links below to complete the assignment in TEAMS for Thursday:
We will review the documentary linked to left this Friday, and then, after Fall Break, we will get into the details of the trial!
Please take the time to complete the survey posted to the right. This survey is your opportunity to give me feedback concerning the class, as well as information concerning any issues you might have been dealing with during the first nine weeks.
Week Ten: Principles Defined Through Legal Controversy
Monday (10.18.21): The voir dire process... understanding the significance of the jury selection process in the American legal system.
Tuesday (11.19.21): Discuss the jury selection process, or voir dire, in the Paul Dennis Reid trial. Complete assignment in TEAMS.
Wednesday (10.20.21): Take time to complete assignment in TEAMS "The Jury Selection Process." Create a set of questions for the Baskin Robbins trial.
Thursday (10.21.21): Discuss responses to assignments in TEAMS for the week.
Friday (10.22.21): Complete "The Voir Dire - Jury Selection Process - Review Assignment" in TEAMS.
Monday: The voir dire Process in the Americal Legal System
Objective: SWBAT explain the significance of the voir dire process in the American legal system IOT properly analyze controversial court decisions.
1.) The voir dire is the jury selection process in the American legal system.
2.) The word literally translates, "To speak the truth."
3.) Understanding how this works will help you mature in your ability to properly analyze case law.
4.) View the video linked to the right to reviewe the "voir dire" for the trial of George Zimmerman.
This week, in the midst of reviewing Paul Dennis Reid's Baskin Robbins trial in Clarksville, TN, you will be analyzing four huge Supreme Court precedents concerning the voir dire process in the American legal system.
Week Eleven: Principles Defined Through Legal Controversy
Monday (10.25.20): Review three Supreme Court decisions concerning the voir dire. Complete assignment in TEAMS - due Wednesday evening.
Tuesday (10.26.20): Discuss the "peremptory challenge." Complete "The Voir Dire - Major Supreme Court Decisions." Due tomorrow evening.
Wednesday (10.27.20): Complete and submit assignment in TEAMS. Briefly discuss Edmonson v. Leesville Concrete Co. (1991).
Thursday (10.28.20): Review Edmonson briefly and view video. Complete questions in TEAMS. Due Friday evening.
Friday (10.29.20): Take time to complete questions in TEAMS concerning Edmonson (1991). We will also be discussing the trial for Ahmaud Arbery.
Review the following links to cases dealing with the constitutionality of thevoir dire process in the American legal system:
Below are links to videos to assist in developing your understanding of and appreciation for the jury selection process:
Week Twelve: Principles Defined Through Legal Controversy
Monday (11.01.20): Discuss OJ. Review circumstantial v. direct evidence. Read article and view short video. Assignment in TEAMS by Tuesday evening.
Tuesday (12.02.20): Take time to complete assignment in TEAMS. Begin discussing evidence in the "Fast Food Killer's" Baskin Robbins trial.
Wednesday (11.03.20): Continue breaking down all the evidence from the Baskin Robbins trial in Clarksville, TN.
Thursday (11.04.20): Life while sequestered. Deliberation. Drinks with Judge Sam Gassaway. Remaining questions???
Friday (11.05.20): Review Kyle Rittenhouse case, as well as the trial for the killing of Ahmaud Arbery... jury selection and dismissal.
Monday, we will discuss the criminal and civil trials of OJ Simpson. Click link to the right to review a Barbara Walters' interview of Robert Kardashian, one of OJ's attorneys in the criminal trial.
At this point, you should all be pretty familiar with the jury selection process, as well as the major Supreme Court decisions which guide it in the courtroom. This week we are discussing the evidence of Paul Dennis Reid's Baskin Robbins trial in Clarksville, TN for the murder of Angela Holmes and Michelle Mace on the evening of April 23, 1997.
For the Baskin Robbins trial, the defendant, Paul Dennis Reid, Jr., was convicted of two counts of premeditated first degree murder, two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping, and one count of especially aggravated robbery.
Circumstantial Evidence:
- Proves another fact.
- Requires the trier of fact to make an inference.
- Can be just as powerful as direct evidence.
- Is not inherently unreliable.
- Jurors must avoid jumping to illogical conclusions.
- A defendant can be convicted completely on circumstantial evidence.
Direct Evidence:
- proves its own fact.
- Requires no inference from the trier of fact.
- Can be mitigated, even though it's direct.
- Is not inherently reliable.
- Jurors must consider the source credibility very carefully.
- A defendant can be convicted solely on direct evidence without corroboration.
Please take time to click on the links below for classMonday. View the short video, read the short article, and then answer the questions in TEAMS:
Click on the link below to read more about Paul Dennis Reid and his being implicated in the Texas Bowling Alley Murders...
Week Thirteen: Principles Defined Through Legal Controversy
Monday (11.08.21): Take a little time to wrap up evidence in PDR case, and discuss mitigating and aggravating factors in the sentencing phase of a trial.
Tuesday (11.09.21): Introduce "Twelve Angry Men" project. Review assignment in TEAMS. Begin film today.
Wednesday (11.10.21): Review assignment in TEAMS. Continue with film review in class.
Thursday (11.11.21): Veterans Day. No School.
Friday (11.12.20): Finish "Twelve Angry Men" in class today. Complete work on questions and responses. Due in TEAMS Monday evening.
In this unit, we will also take time in class to review the classic original film Twelve Angry men, with the goals of extending learning, reinforcing understandings of American legal principles, and reviewing courtroom procedures. Please use the links below to access the review questions, which are available in English and Spanish.
Week Fourteen: Constitutional Law Review
Monday (11.15.21): Complete viewing "Twelve Angry Men." Finish assignment in TEAMS and submit.
Tuesday (11.16.21): Take class time to complete your responses in TEAMS - due this evening for your 2nd Quarter "Project Grade."
Wednesday (11.17.21): Introduce Part III of the Constitutional Challenge. Begin working on questions 1 - 4 in class. Good luck!
Thursday (11.18.21): Take class time to continue working through Part III. This is due tomorrow.
Friday (11.19.21): I will take any remaining questions today concerning Part III of the Constitutional Challenge. Due tonight.
Week Fifteen: History of the American Legal System
Monday (01.04.20): Welcome back! View Supreme Court interview "Judicial Independence." Complete questions in TEAMS - due Tuesday.
Tuesday (01.05.20): Complete assignment in TEAMS and submit today. If you finish early, please take a few minutes to read the article linked below.
Wednesday (01.06.20): Discuss questions from previous assignment. Listen to piece by NPR. Complete reading assignment for Friday in TEAMS.
Thursday (01.07.20): Take time to complete reading assignment from The Atlantic and submit answers in TEAMS by tomorrow evening.
Friday (01.08.20): Take time to complete reading exercise linked below from The Atlantic. This is an "Assessment Grade" - so give it your best!
Week Sixteen: History of the American Legal System
Monday (01.11.20): Take time to complete reading exercise linked below from The Atlantic. This is an "Assessment Grade" - so give it your best!
Tuesday (01.12.20): Student Inventory - Second Quarter - please complete and submit in TEAMS. Due this evening.
Wednesday (01.13.20): Introduce Marbury v. Madison (1803). Discuss significance. Complete assignment in TEAMS. Use links below. Due Thursday.
Thursday (01.14.20): Take time to complete Marbury v. Madison (1803) - due this Friday in TEAMS.
Friday (01.15.20): Taking a closer look at the controversial police response in the case of Jacob Blake on August 23, 2020 inKenosha, Wisconsin.
Week Seventeen: Inauguration Day- Article II
Monday (01.18.20): School's Out - Dr. King's Day
Tuesday (01.19.20): Make-up day for all classes - please email me concerning any missing work.
Wednesday (01.20.20): Inauguration Day! See assignment below. Use links for assistance on this short project. Remember - this is 40% of your average!
Thursday (01.21.20): Continue working on "Inauguration Day - Project."
Friday (01.22.20): Continue working on "Inauguration Day - Project." This is due Monday evening.
Special Unit: Historical Review of the U.S. Supreme Court
Below you will find Guided Viewing Questions, as well as the answer keys and notes, for each episode of the PBS series we will view in class. Additionally, there are links to cases, which you will be required to read in preparation for class - we will complete Volumes I and II first (third) quarter and Volumes III and IV second (fourth) quarter - in order to pass quizzes for this unit, you must read the cases assigned in addition to viewing the documentaries:
We the People
LIBRARY RESEARCH
(Spring Semester 2020)
Please use the documents and links below to assist you in conducting research for your Fourth Quarter Research Project - American Common Law and the Supreme Court, which is to be submitted by 11:59 pm, Friday, March 27th (save as pdf - use last name and class period - ex. smithsecond) to wmnandez@gmail.com - projects will receive a 20% deduction per day late - your submission will count as an assessment grade.
Tuesday: FIRST - Please take the time to review the three documents below (LEFT). Read the entire assignment for "The Common Law Project." SECOND, - bring me a sheet of paper with your name on it, as well as the name of your partner if you're working with someone, and include your top three choices of research topics from the list provided. THIRD - begin looking into the history of your topic today, tracing it as far back into British common law as possible. FOURTH - please review the sample project from last year - although not perfect, it was a success.
Please See Sample Project Below From Last Year:
PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING LINKS TO ASSIST YOU IN COMPLETING THIS RESEARCH PROJECT:
Click on the documents below to see how the United States is divided into districts for the federal court system, as well as how to read a legal citation:
Please click on the document below for your assignments in the WSHS Library this week - Please try to keep up on a daily basis in the Library... this work will really help your averages if you work diligently - this work will accumulate to count as a test score (Assessment) for the second grading quarter, so give it your best:
ASSIGNMENT #1 = First Half-Test Grade:
ASSIGNMENT #2 = Second Half-Test Grade:
Please click on the "Weekly Lesson Plans" below, listed chronologically, to see the goals and objectives of classwork, daily assignments, projects, and more for Honors Practical Law:
In this unit, we will take a close look at civil law, using chapters 17, 18, and 19 in the textbook for review. Click on the video to the right to learn more about a limitation onthe use of peremptory challenges in civil law.
Constitutional Law: Please that the time to complete the Problems in Chapter 38, as well as "You Be The Judge." Upon completion and submission, we will then watch the two short videos (links to left) to build on the foundational textbook information.
Second Quarter Research Project: Gun Control Debate - below you will find the assignment, as well as links to helpful websites for debate preparation. Keep in mind that your behavior, research, preparation, and performance will accumulate to a test grade (100 points = 20% of your Second Quarter average).
Please use the links provided below to expedite completion of Debate Preparation Research (2018) :
Resources to help get in the spirit of the season for the debate... Links are sorted left (liberal) and right (conservative) by ideology... please take the time to access these websites for articles, editorials, and podcasts and videos relating to gun control :
Take the time to review the following excerpt concerning the use of logical fallacies in formal debate - this will help you win your argument:
