Intro to Criminal Law/Mock Trial: To Kill a Mockingbird (Integrated Novel Study)
In this 8-week course, students will learn about the basics of criminal law while reading and discussing the novel To Kill a Mockingbird and completing a mock trial.
Amy Lavin, J.D.
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(360)
What's included
8 live meetings
6 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. It is expected that students will be prepared for class by reading the weekly assigned chapters. Each student will need a copy of the book. Additionally, there may be some preparation for the mock trial to be completed at home, if necessary.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
This class will focus on the basics of criminal law in the United States. Using the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, students will explore all aspects of the criminal justice system. The final class will be a mock trial where each student will role play as a character from To Kill a Mockingbird that is an important member of the criminal justice system (defendant, prosecutor, defense attorney, witnesses, victim, and jury). Class #1 - What is the history of the criminal justice system? • The purpose of the criminal justice system • The history of the criminal justice system • Setting - To Kill a Mockingbird • HOMEWORK (before Class #2): Read Chapters 1-5 Class #2 - What is a crime? • The key elements of a crime • The purpose of prosecutorial discretion • Point of View - To Kill a Mockingbird • HOMEWORK (before Class #3): Read Chapters 6-10 Class #3 - Who is a defense attorney? • The purpose of a defense attorney • The rights of a defendant • Characters - To Kill a Mockingbird • HOMEWORK (before Class #4): Read Chapters 11-15 Class #4 - Who is a prosecutor? • The purpose of a prosecutor • The protection of victims • Tone - To Kill a Mockingbird • HOMEWORK (before Class #5): Read Chapters 16-20 Class #5 - What does a trial look like? • The key elements of a criminal trial • The purpose of a jury • Conflict - To Kill a Mockingbird • HOMEWORK (before Class #6): Read Chapters 21-25 Class #6 - What is the appellate process? • The purpose of the appellate system • The quest for justice • Plot - To Kill a Mockingbird • HOMEWORK (before Class #7): Read Chapters 26-31 Class #7 - How do I prepare for a Mock Trial? • How to interview witnesses • The division of roles for the trial • Theme - To Kill a Mockingbird • HOMEWORK (before Class #8): Prepare for your role for the mock trial Class #8 - Mock Trial During the class, students will follow along with Google slide presentations to learn about the criminal justice system, followed by a series of discussions and evaluations from To Kill a Mockingbird. It is expected that students will be prepared for class by reading the assigned chapters. Each student will need a copy of the book. #academic [Photo Credit: "Grimes County Courthouse, Anderson, Texas 1803091224" by Patrick Feller is licensed under CC BY 2.0]
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of the criminal justice system and will apply that knowledge to the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Students will also learn about the elements of literature--setting, point of view, characters, tone, conflict, plot, and theme--and apply that knowledge to the novel.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Since this is a class about criminal law, it may deal with behaviors that are violent or socially unacceptable. The teacher will be sensitive to these subjects and will avoid overt details and/or descriptions that are not age-appropriate.
Additionally, the novel To Kill a Mockingbird includes situations dealing with racism, violence, rape, and alcoholism. Please make sure you are familiar with the book's content and are comfortable with your student discussing these situations prior to enrolling in this class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Joined May, 2020
4.8
360reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Prior to attending law school, I was a high school English teacher. I have taught Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird for eight years to 10th grade language arts students. Reviews
Live Group Class
$125
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
50 min
Completed by 117 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
4-10 learners per class
