Alabama Social Studies SS24.USG.6a
The Standard
- SS24.USG.6
- Summarize the functions and duties of the judicial branch, including the power of judicial review and interpretation of laws.
Explain the structure, jurisdiction, and processes of civil and criminal courts in the United States, including courts with original and appellate jurisdiction.
2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify who brings a lawsuit or criminal charge and whether a case belongs in state or federal court. They trace a case from trial to a possible appeal.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given a crash lawsuit and a federal bank robbery charge, students place the cases in a state trial court and a federal district court. They explain that trial courts hear evidence, while appeals courts review the record for legal errors.
Common Misconceptions
- Some students think a civil suit can send someone to prison, or that the injured person prosecutes a crime. Others think an appeal repeats the trial with new witnesses or that all cases start in federal court.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: A driver sues after a crash, while federal prosecutors charge someone with bank robbery. Name the trial court for each case and explain what an appeals court would review.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Hand pairs a crash lawsuit complaint and a federal bank robbery charge sheet; have them place each on a labeled court map.
Ask students to write two sentences answering: Why might a losing party appeal a trial ruling rather than call new witnesses?
Read four case cards: a rent dispute, shoplifting, a federal wage claim, and federal tax evasion; students move to labeled court corners.
Bring a news article about a local criminal verdict; students underline the court name and note what an appeal could review.
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Printable SS24.USG.6a Worksheet
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Related Standards
- SS24.USG.6b
Outline and explain the process of appointing Supreme Court Justices and other federal judges.
- SS24.USG.13
Outline how the federal system of the United States divides powers between national and state governments.
- SS24.6.15
Explain how the system of federalism in the United States divides power between national and state governments as well as between state and local governments.
- SS24.USG.6
Summarize the functions and duties of the judicial branch, including the power of judicial review and interpretation of laws.
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