Street Law: A Course in Practical LawChapter 1:
What is Law?Cases and ResourcesLaw and Values
Human Rights
Balancing Rights with Responsibilities
Kinds of Laws
Our Constitutional Framework
Law and Values
Regina v. Dudley and Stephens
Read the court's decision to learn more about the case of the shipwrecked sailors discussed in your textbook. Dudley and Stephens were found guilty of murder for deliberately taking the life of another. Do you agree with the court's reasoning?
U.S. Department of Justice
Our current legal system is based on the values that our government and society believe are the most important to keep order and fairness in the United States. Read the mission of the U.S. Department of Justice at this site.
American Civil Liberties Union
and Morality in the Media, Inc.
The ACLU and Morality in the Media both work to change, pass, or uphold laws about free speech and press. Their positions are based on the values of their members. Go to these sites and compare the values these organizations hold about free speech. Back to Top Human Rights
Human Rights Web
Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at this site. Almost every country in the world agrees to these basic standards, and the United Nations (UN) accepts and promotes this declaration. Also read the other UN agreements and documents at this site, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
United Nations Cyber School Bus
Created and maintained by the United Nations, this site teaches students about issues affecting the UN and the entire world. It provides an opportunity to learn about current and significant issues from many perspectives. The material is presented in several different languages and is written to be easily accessible to both students and educators.
UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of children around the world, and encourages young people to speak out and participate in decisions that will affect their lives. This site highlights many of the issues affecting children around the world, and identifies different ways for students to become involved with and support UNICEF's mission.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Resource Center
Learn more about human rights groups, issues, and activities. Back to Top Balancing Rights with Responsibilities
The Kitty Genovese Story (by TruTV)
With rights come responsibilities. There is a balancing act that we must perform when weighing individual rights and the respect we must have for the rights of others in our communities. Read about the case of one woman who started a national debate over this balancing act.
MTV's Rock the Vote
It is both your responsibility and your right to vote in elections. It is important that you understand the issues and candidates involved in the election before you decide how to vote. Explore a site created for young voters.
Back to Top Kinds of Laws
The Difference Between Civil and Criminal Law
Read this clear explanation about how civil law is different from criminal law.
O.J. Simpson
Now examine a real case—that of O.J. Simpson—in which civil and criminal laws both mattered. O.J. was found not guilty in criminal court, but was found liable in civil court. Back to Top Our Constitutional Framework
National Constitution Center
Learn more about the U.S. Constitution and all that it provides for and requires of our government. Read about the separation of powers among the three branches of government, the system of checks and balances, judicial review, and individual rights.
Justice Learning
This site contains a collection of teaching materials to accompany Justice Talking's audio programs. There are links to information about several constitutional issues.
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