Due Process and Equal Protection

Due Process and Equal Protection 

Government -- 12th Grade 

Content Objectives: Students will be able to evaluate the constitutional principles of Due Process and Equal Protection by analyzing their historical foundations, examining key Supreme Court cases, and applying these principles to contemporary issues of justice and fairness. 

• Evaluate the constitutional principles of Due Process and Equal Protection.

• Analyze the historical foundations and key Supreme Court cases related to these principles.

• Apply these principles to contemporary issues of justice and fairness.

Language Objectives: Students will be able to articulate the principles of Due Process and Equal Protection by defining key terms, summarizing Supreme Court cases in writing, and constructing arguments using evidence and academic language in discussions and written responses.  

• Define key terms related to Due Process and Equal Protection.

• Summarize Supreme Court cases in writing.

• Construct arguments using evidence and academic language in discussions and written responses.

Common Core Standards

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1
  Cite specific textual evidence to support the analysis of primary and secondary sources.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1
  Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4
  Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective.

Lesson Overview

• Focus: Students explore the constitutional concepts of fairness under the law (due process and equal protection), connecting them to historical Supreme Court cases and modern justice issues.

• Agenda

  • • Welcome, Recap, and Objectives Review (5 min).

    • Lecture with Guided Notes (20 min).

    • Group Activity: Supreme Court Case Investigation (30 min).

    • Exit Ticket: Reflection on Due Process vs. Equal Protection (15 min).

Key Activities

• Supreme Court Case Investigation: Students research a landmark case, create a 3–5 slide presentation, and teach the class about its background, decision, and societal impact.

• Exit Ticket: Students write a brief reflection on which principle (Due Process or Equal Protection) they believe has had a greater societal impact, supporting their reasoning with examples.

Assessments 

• Formative: Class discussion and completion of guided notes. 

• Summative: Case presentations, reflective writing, and an exit ticket assessing comprehension of the principles.