Discovering the Bill of Rights is a ninety-minute field trip to either the Moakley U.S. Courthouse or the John Adams Courthouse in Boston. Students prepare and present arguments in a U.S. Supreme Court case involving either the First or Fourth Amendment.

By grappling with constitutional issues, young people explore the complex task of balancing the rights and freedoms of individuals with the safety and welfare of the community.

Discovering the Bill of Rights encourages students to think critically by developing their own arguments about real court cases. Students learn how to speak with authority, listen carefully to questions, and think critically before answering. They also learn to formulate answers that support their client’s position and develop counter-arguments to the reasoning of their opposing counsel.

During the program, students gather in a courtroom to learn about a real U.S. Supreme Court case from recent history concerning a Bill of Rights issue. Students are split into two groups. Each group prepares and presents arguments for one side of the case before a judge. Discovering Justice provides teachers with optional pre- and post-field-trip classroom activities.

The Cases

The following cases are used as examples to explore the issues addressed in Discovering the Bill of Rights:

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District
This historic case concerns the right of free speech for public school students. John and Mary Beth Tinker wore black armbands to school to protest the Vietnam War and were suspended for violating a school policy. Their parents filed a suit in federal court and took their First Amendment case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

New Jersey v. T.L.O.
While searching a student’s purse for cigarettes, a high school administrator found evidence that suggested the student was using and selling marijuana. The student’s case, based on the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures, went from the Juvenile Court to the U.S. Supreme Court.

To Volunteer

Discovering the Bill of Rights relies on judges and attorneys who are interested in working with middle-school (ages 11 – 14) students to volunteer their time and expertise to this program.

Time Requirements:

• Approximately 1-1/2 hours to read and study the cases used in the program
• Approximately 1-1/2 hours on the day you participate in the program
• A phone call to discuss the program

To book this program, or to volunteer, please contact us.