Civics

Era 14: Contemporary United States: Domestic Policies (1970–Today) - Article

New Jersey Government: The Judiciary

Summary: In this lesson, students will identify the role of the judiciary, describe how the judicial system in New Jersey is structured, and examine the jurisdiction of the New Jersey courts. In addition, students will compare and contrast the proceedings of New Jersey’s trial and appellate courts, explain the importance of judicial independence, and engage in a mock trial or moot court proceeding.

Overarching questions:

  • CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment?
  • NEW JERSEY: How have changes in New Jersey during this time period influenced U.S. history?

NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:

  • 6.3.8.CivicsPI.4: Investigate the roles of political, civil, and economic organizations in shaping people’s lives and share this information with individuals who might benefit from this information.
  • 6.3.8.CivicsDP.2: Make a claim based on evidence to determine the extent and the limitations of First Amendment rights (e.g., U.S. Supreme Court decisions).
  • 6.3.8.CivicsDP.3: Use historical case studies and current events to explain why due process is essential for the protection of individual rights and maintenance of limited government.
  • 6.3.8.CivicsPR.5: Engage in simulated democratic processes (e.g., legislative hearings, judicial proceedings, elections) to understand how conflicting points of view are addressed in a democratic society.
  • 6.1.12.CivicsPI.13.a: Craft an argument as to the effectiveness of the New Jersey Constitution of 1947, New Jersey Supreme Court decisions (i.e., Hedgepeth and Williams v. Trenton Board of Education), and New Jersey’s laws in eliminating segregation and discrimination.
  • 6.1.12.EconET.14.a: Use current events to judge what extent the government should intervene at the local, state, and national levels on issues related to the economy.
  • 6.1.12.CivicsPR.16.a: Analyze government efforts to address intellectual property rights, personal privacy, and other ethical issues in science, medicine, and business that arise from the global use of new technologies.
  • 6.3.12.HistoryCA.1: Analyze the impact of current governmental practices and laws affecting national security and/or First Amendment rights and privacy (e.g., immigration, refugees, seizure of personal property, juvenile detention, listening devices, deportation, religion in schools).

Link to Lesson: New Jersey's Judiciary