Qualities of Judges
Grade Level: Middle
Overview:
Students brainstorm qualities that judges might possess, then discuss why those qualities are important.
Time Needed: 1 class period
Materials Needed:
Chart paper and markers
Procedure
1. Introduce the work of a trial judge. Ask students to describe what judges do. Encourage students to recognize that judges make decisions, have to interpret information, and decide cases. Explain to students that in this scenario, their school is assembling a student supreme court to help interpret school policies and student rules.
- Ask students to brainstorm a list of required qualities for student judges on the court. Record answers on a chalkboard or chart paper. Answers might include: student at the school, grade level, minimum attendance record, minimum grade point average, good standing, involved in activities, judicious, fair, honest, smart, knowledge of school policies and student rules, responsible, trustworthy, follows school rules, or gets along with classmates.
- Ask students to prioritize the student judge qualities, and determine how important each is to being a successful student judge. Assign each quality a rating of “essential” or “not essential.” Isolate the “essential” qualities from the “not essential” qualities, and ask students to explain why they categorized the characteristics as they did.
- Divide students into groups of 3-4. Explain that each group is responsible for developing a “Top 10 Qualities of a Student Judge” list. Each group should record their list on a piece of chart paper. Distribute chart paper and markers to each group.
- Once all of the groups have finished, allow each group to share their “Top 10 Qualities of a Student Judge” lists around the room, or post them where everyone might see them. Ask students to discuss the following questions: Why did you choose the qualities that you did? Was it difficult to select 10 qualities? Are there qualities that appear on more than one group’s list? On all lists? Why do you think this is?
- With students, use the common qualities to construct a master list of judicial qualifications for their classroom.
- Distribute the “Qualities of Judges” handout to students. Explain that this list of qualities was prepared by another group, outside of the students’ class. Compare the handout to the master list for the classroom.
Extension Activities
- Ask students, in groups or individually, to create a public service announcement that showcases the qualities of a fictional judicial candidate. Announcements might take the form of plays, drawings or display panels, radio spots, or short videos. Participants should think about what actions, words, or images will appear in their announcement to help demonstrate the important qualities of a trial judge.
- Invite a judge to participate in the discussion. Ask him or her to discuss the qualities that they see as necessary for student judges, and why.
National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies, National Council for the Social Studies