This is sponsored content.
Deborah Morris Burton, the creator of Homeschool Court, received her law degree from Drake University and is licensed to practice law in Maryland. She homeschooled her two children through graduation, and both now attend college.
The idea for Homeschool Court came when one of her children expressed interest in what her career was before homeschooling. That conversation led to creating a fun mock trial class for her children and their peers to learn the basics of the legal system. As word of the class spread, more and more people wanted to participate until it became too much for one teacher alone to accomplish. God led Mrs. Burton to pull together her teaching ideas into a course that homeschool moms could use to teach their children or a group of local children.
The Homeschool Court course aims to guide students in becoming a well-informed American citizen who has a deep understanding of the judicial system. This is accomplished through a non-competitive, relaxed learning environment with a curriculum that is easy to use.
Materials for the course include:
- Student Worktext (written for grades 4–8)
Nine chapters within the worktext walk the student step-by-step through the entire course. Students will work on reading comprehension, writing, debate, and logic skills. - Teacher Manual
Includes all of the text from the Student Worktext as well as answers, discussion tips, activity suggestions, and recommended resources to extend the learning experience. - High School Supplement (written for grades (9–12)
Provides additional content for deeper study beyond what is included in the Student Worktext. - High School Supplement Teacher Manual
- Student Case Summary: Contested Will
This case involves a trial that contests the validity of a signature on a will. The summary includes the facts of the case, the elements of law (including a list of important vocabulary terms and an explanation of hot probate works), witness statements, jury instructions, and evidence. - Student Case Summary: School Prayer
This Supreme Court Case case involves whether school prayer is constitutional. This case requires engaging in oral arguments rather than presenting evidence. The student summary includes a summary of the facts, lower court decisions, and the elements of the law and prior case law. - Student Case Summary: Dog Bite at the Dog Show
This case involves a civil trial where the plaintiff seeks compensation for injuries sustained from a dog bite. The student summary includes an evidence summary chart, tips on presenting the evidence, and notes on the outcome of the actual case the trial is based on. - Teacher Case Summaries (for all three cases)
Includes additional notes and materials necessary for teaching the case summaries, including student roles to fill, an overview of the details in the case, and important additional information.
Students will benefit from the course by learning about the American legal system, basics of the judicial system, types of cases and the steps involved in each, how to argue persuasively, the influence of Biblical principles and history on our country’s legal system, and how a Biblical worldview can impact a mock trial.
The course is written so that not every student has to “argue” or speak publicly. There are attorneys, judges, witnesses, or more supportive roles that help craft opening and closing arguments or witness questions. A Certificate of Completion is also included.
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Thank you to Michelle Wyatt of Life in the Nerddom
or writing this introductory article.
Click below to read the reviews from the members of the Homeschool Review Crew that had the opportunity to use the above product in their homes over the past few weeks.
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