Criminal Case Files: Introduction to Criminal Law
In this one time social studies class, students will first learn what makes an act become a "crime", and then play the part of a lawyer in our online classroom / court!
Sean Foster Collins, BA, BEd.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(342)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursAssessment
The learners are assessed through informal feedback and questioning during the class. They are also assessed by their ability to apply the concepts learned in a final case analysis.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Students will follow a series of brief powerpoint slides that define and explain the meaning of "crime", how an action is defined as "criminal", the purpose of criminal law, and the two key elements necessary for a person to be prosecuted for a crime. The students will interact with the teacher through questioning and answers, discussions as well as brainstorming suggestions from the students on topics related to crime. The students will also be given the opportunity to apply what they have learned by playing the role of the defence or prosecuting attorney and argue sample cases. The first 20 minutes of the class will be devoted to a lecture on key terms with questioning throughout; the next 10 minutes will be devoted to understanding the "crime equation" (actus reus + mens rea = crime) and how it works with examples and discussion throughout; the final 30 minutes of the class will be devoted to applying these ideas with students presenting arguments for either side of sample criminal cases.
Learning Goals
Students will understand the key elements of criminal law and have an understanding of concepts that are consistently presented in culture and entertainment, but rarely understood accurately. Students will be able to apply these introductory concepts of criminal law and present informed reasoning to argue guilt or innocence in a criminal trial.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Some case examples in the discussion may deal with violent or socially unacceptable situations which are in keeping with the nature of the class subject on crime. The teacher will always aim to be sensitive and avoid any too realistic or overly detailed descriptions of these crimes.
Supply List
Students should have a pencil and paper to make notes of key terms in the class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
342reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Non-US Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
2 Degrees
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Western Sydney (Australia)
Bachelor's Degree in English from Trent University (Peterborough, Ontario, Canada)
I have coached debate teams and taught Junior and Senior Law classes in High School for over 10 years as a certified teacher of Social Studies. During that time, I have gained a confident understanding of the fundamental concepts of law as well as the best ways to simplify and clarify those concepts in a way that students can easily grasp. I know that issues of criminal law play a significant role in the culture and entertainment that young people passively consume; my aim is to to empower them with real understanding to be able to distinguish fact from fiction. Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$15
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 227 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-10 learners per class
