Introduction to Criminal Law: To Kill a Mockingbird (Novel Study)
Amy Lavin, J.D.
Average rating:4.8Number of reviews:(358)
In this 8-week online course, students will learn about the basics of criminal law while reading and discussing the novel To Kill a Mockingbird.
Class experience
US Grade 7 - 10
This flex course will focus on the basics of criminal law. Using examples from the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, students will explore all aspects of the criminal justice system in the United States. During the course, students will role play as important members of the criminal justice system: defendant, prosecutor, defense attorney, victims, witnesses, and jury. As a flex class, there will be no live lessons. Students will have access to lessons and videos on Nearpod that detail each topic...
8 lessons//8 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1What 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 1-5Week 2Lesson 2What 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 6-10Week 3Lesson 3Who 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 11-15Week 4Lesson 4Who is a prosecutor?• The purpose of a prosecutor • The protection of victims • Tone - To Kill a Mockingbird • HOMEWORK (before Class #5): Read Chapters 16-20Week 5Lesson 5What does a trial look like?• The key elements of a criminal trial • Opening statements and closing arguments • Conflict - To Kill a Mockingbird • HOMEWORK (before Class #6): Read Chapters 21-25Week 6Lesson 6What 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 26-28Week 7Lesson 7How do attorneys prepare for trials?• How to interview witnesses • The use of objections • Theme (Part 1) - To Kill a Mockingbird • HOMEWORK (before Class #8): Read Chapters 29-31Week 8Lesson 8What is the role of a jury?• The purpose of a jury • The legal standard of reasonable doubt • Theme (Part 2) - To Kill a Mockingbird
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.
I have a Juris Doctor from the S.J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah; a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix; and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Brigham Young University. I taught high school English for eight years, and I currently teach ESL online. I am also a former prosecuting attorney, and I currently practice law in several different areas. I have taught Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird for eight years to 10th grade language arts students.
Homework Offered
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.0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
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.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Average rating:4.8Number of reviews:(358)
Welcome! I'm very excited to be your teacher! I live in Idaho in the United States. I enjoy reading and writing young adult novels, traveling around the world with my family, and kayaking on the Snake River. I have a Juris Doctor from the S.J....
Self-Paced Class
$10
weekly or $80 for all content8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks of teacher feedback
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 18 learners
Ages: 12-16
