Law and Government

• Plan and conduct a mock trial with the post.
• Learn the definition of law and its sources. Describe the functions of the court system.
• Discuss the Code of Hammurabi, the Justinian Code, and the Magna Carta.
• Learn about the development of the jury system.
• Discuss famous historical trials, such as Roe vs. Wade or other interesting cases.
• Ask an attorney or judge to speak to the post about his or her career, work schedule, and educational background.
• Learn about civil law and criminal law and the main differences between them. Think of examples of each.
• Talk to people about the role of law enforcement officers in our society. Talk to a law enforcement officer about his or her responsibilities.
• Learn how to write a legal contract.
• Learn about laws that have been passed to protect consumers and sellers.
• Visit a civil or criminal court
• Find out the requirements for becoming a lawyer in Missouri.
• Find out how judges are selected in Missouri.
• Visit a city, county, or other municipality manager to find out the service he or she oversees. Ask about relationships with the elected leadership. Ask about budgets and expenditures. Ask about the educational background of the manager.
• Research the variety of jobs that deal with some aspect of law or the legal processes.