Law Day 2012—No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom

Elementary Grades Lesson

What’s in a Courtroom?

Overview

Students will analyze a photograph of a courtroom, and in the process, learn about the people in the courtroom and the role of each in the legal process.

Preparation

Download the Courtroom Photo and People in the Courtroom handout to accompany this lesson at You will also need flip chart, marker, and post-its.

Procedure

  1. Ask students if they are familiar with the word “courtroom.” Ask students what they think happens in a courtroom.Students might mention judges decide cases, lawyers argue the case, or people are sentenced for crimes.
  1. Distribute the Courtroom Photo handout to students. Ask students what is happening in the photo. Acknowledge that there is a trial happening in the photo. Trial: A formal examination of evidence by a judge, typically before a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings.
  1. Distribute the People in the Courtroom handout, and explain to students that they should complete the chart as you discuss each of the people in the photo.
  1. Ask students to identify the different people in the photo of the courtroom. Post the name on a flip chart. Discuss the roles of each person as they are recognized by students. Point out any unidentified characters to students. The characters in the courtroom are as follows:
  • Judge: listens to and directs the lawyers and jurors, interprets the law.
  • Jury:members of the community who help determine if people are guilty or innocent at the end of the trial.
  • Court Reporter: takes notes so that court proceedings are documented.
  • Lawyers:represents their client, asks questions to help the jury understand what happened in the case.
  • Parties:people involved with the case. There are two sides to the case, each party representing one side.
  • Witness stand:witnesses are called to provide information about the case, and take an oath to tell the truth.
  • Sheriff:maintain order and escort and assist members of the jury.
  1. After all of the characters in the courtroom have been identified, provide each student with a post-it note. Students should come forward to place their post-its next to who they think is the most important character in the courtroom.
  2. Once all of the students have voted, discuss the results with students. Who received the most votes? Why?
  3. Conclude by explaining to students that all of the people in the courtroom are important, and essential for ensuring access to justice.

Extended Activity

  • Classroom teachers: Invite a judge or lawyer to participate in this lesson with your students. He or she could discuss the different people inside the courtroom.
  • Arrange a visit for students to a local courthouse to see a courtroom, and possibly, court proceedings.

Law Day 2012—No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom

Elementary Grades Lesson