A new homeschool civics curriculum.

Homeschool Court by Deborah Burton

Homeschool Court publishes a student worktext, teacher edition and case summaries to enable the average homeschool parent to organize a mock trial class. In addition to the fun of participating as an attorney, judge, witness or jury member, the student will learn an amazing amount of information about our legal system. And unlike most mock trial materials, Homeschool Court emphasizes its Biblical foundation.

This curriculum has been used successfully by the author with students in grades 3-8, which is the target range — but has also been used with high school students. The attorney/author has years of experience teaching this material to a variety of students — including those with special needs. The teacher edition includes practical tips for varying situations.

Homeschool Court is also an excellent stand-alone civics curriculum to learn about our judicial system, even without a mock trial at the conclusion of the class. Instead of arguing before the “court,” your student can write a persuasive essay or engage in a debate with a sibling.

Engaging this material will exercise your student’s skills in writing, logic, reading comprehension, critical thinking and more.

Additional information can be found at Homeschool Court.

Homeschool Court Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Basics
Start off on the right foot by learning about mock trials, why we have laws, and some basic
legal vocabulary.

Chapter 2: A Biblical View of the Law
Consider the importance of biblical principles on the origin of the American legal system
and how a biblical worldview will impact the mock trial.

Chapter 3: Who’s Who in the Court System?
Discover the participants in the court system, the difference between different types of
witnesses and how to write questions for witnesses, and the role of voir dire.

Chapter 4: Our Judicial System
Learn the difference between state and federal courts, trial and appellate courts, civil and
criminal courts, and how to decide in which jurisdiction to file a case.

Chapter 5: Types of Cases
Explore the variety of the law while getting a taste of criminal, civil and constitutional law,
while learning about burglary, robbery, assault, battery, murder, manslaughter, torts, product
liability, contracts, and the bill of rights.

Chapter 6: Steps in a Trial or an Appellate Case
Distinguish between the step-by-step processes involved in trials and appeals, how to
arrange your classroom like a court room, different types of testimony and how to object to
certain testimony during the mock trial.

Chapter 7: Persuasive Arguments
Practice your skills of persuasion while crafting witness questions, opening and closing
statements, and a strong strategy for your mock trial or appellate case.

Chapter 8: Preparing for the Mock Trial
Use a team approach to prepare diligently for the length of time available to your class.

Chapter 9: The Mock Trial
Enjoy the fruits of your labor during your mock trial, and uncover ways to learn more about
the law and our judicial system.