Before the Movie:

 

What comes to mind when you think of a courthouse? What is a reason someone may go to court?  (Tap prior knowledge)

 

What do you think is the difference between a civil and criminal case? (Predict; Compare/contrast)

 

During the Movie (Pause Points):

 

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

 

Timecode 1:49: How are criminal and civil cases alike and different? (Compare/contrast)

Timecode 3:05: How does the state court system of appeals work? (Identify steps in a process)

Timecode 4:03: What does it most likely mean if the Supreme Court refuses to hear an appeal on a federal case? (Draw conclusions)

 

After the Movie:

 

Look at the four related movies at the bottom of the page. Explain how each is connected to the Court System topic. (Make connections)

 

Why do appeals courts have panels of judges instead of juries? (Reflect)

 

BrainPOP recommends reading the movie description that appears on the Court System Topic Page to your class or have students read independently. Then have them watch the movie once through without pausing. Then, watch it again as class, this time using the discussion prompts.

 

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.