You Be the Judge-Will Your Decision Match the Court’s?

Higher Education institutions and employers want individuals who can assess information and formulate their own thoughts. Critical-thinking skills help students understand their own thoughts, ideas and beliefs instead of blindly following others. This class allows students to listen to the information (actual court cases), assess it, and make a decision. The student will then learn the actual decision made in the case and reasons for it.  It is an interesting and fun activity to get to play the role of a judge. It demonstrates how difficult it can be to make the decision and the consequences that will follow. Students will also develop some understanding of the factors that must be considered and the concept of justice. .  I will read the case study to the students. The cases included will be the following:
     Tinker v. DesMoines Independent School District,  Issue: Freedom of Speech
     New Jersey v. T.L.O.,  Issue: Privacy Rights at School
     Kent v. United States, Issue:  Juveniles and Serious Crime (teens can be tried as adults) 
     Adobo Mexican Grill v. Panera, Issue: Is a Burrito a Sandwich?
Students will have the opportunity to interact with the teacher and the other learners, discussion will be encouraged. No prior experience or knowledge is required.