About This Lesson
Teaching kids the importance of America’s law system can be tricky, but it’s necessary. With the modern use of media and tv, it’s almost impossible for one to ignore what happens. Kids often ask a lot of questions about things that require in-depth answers and explanations. The way the law and court systems work is one of the more popular ones. Here is a simple lesson, so to speak, that can help young children understand the law without having to go into too much detail.
The Positions
Some courts are higher than others, meaning that they only deal with certain types of cases. Each judge is specialized in a certain branch of the law that allows them to rule where they are put. Some cases need special attention that only the highest judges in America can handle, while other ones can be taken care of right downtown. The two main systems are the federal and state courts. Each case is tried according to which category they fit in.
The Process
When someone does something that goes against the law, they often have to go to court so their trial can be examined, and punishment determined. Some people are wrongfully accused of certain actions, and they need to be proven innocent. One should go into a courtroom with the mindset of, “innocent until proven guilty.” There are a lot of things that could happen to make one go to court, but most of the reasons are for people doing bad things, or people who need to be told what they can or can’t have in their life.
The People
To understand the courts, you need to know who is involved in them. The top position in the court is called the judge. This is the person who is in charge of what happens in his courtroom every day. He has the authority to kick people out of the room if he wants to. Other important people you may find in a courtroom is a group called the jury. These are selected people who have to sit and listen to the case so that they can decide if someone is guilty or not. Other people you’ll see are court reporters Phoenix, law officers, defendants, and attorneys, lawyers, and various other people. Each plays a specific role in every case.
The Parts
There are several parts of how a trial works. Many begin with opening statements which is where both sides will tell everyone what they plan to prove throughout the trial process. Next, they will get special permission to interview several people in court. It could be witnesses, family members, field specialists, or a variety of other people who must testify in court. Witnesses must swear to tell the truth, and if they are found to be lying, they can get in serious trouble. Some cases will have evidence that is shown to the courtroom, like pictures, weapons, or other items that are related to the case. Once everyone has been interviewed and the evidence has been shown, it’s time for the closing arguments. This is the final opportunity for each side to convince the court that they are right. After these are done, the judge or jury, depending on the case, will declare a verdict.
The Policies
Certain laws and rules have been put into practice to help the nation be a better and safer place. Not only must the citizens abide by these laws but those in leadership have to as well. Judges cannot take the law into their own hands when ruling. They have rules and regulations they must follow as well. This makes practicing law even across the board, without leaving power solely in the hands of one human. While there are different rulings a judge can determine fits the situation best, he does not have the power to declare anything he wants to.
Without the law system in place, America could be a scary place to live. It’s best to teach children at a young age how everything works, so they’re already informed when they are older.
