1. American Legal Systems: Academic
Academic Year 2005-2006
Mr. Cyr
Social Studies Department Chairperson
Contact Information:
Email: kcyr@northreading.mec.edu
If you have access to a computer, I recommend email, as this seems to be the most efficient
method of communication during the work day.
Office phone: (978) 664-7800 x241
Textbook: Street Law, Glencoe 2005 – pilot project
Additional Resources: Extensive supplements are utilized in this course in addition to various
news articles shared in class by either the teacher or the students.
Course Description/Student Outcomes:
This course will provide an in-depth perspective of the legal systems of both the United
States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The learner will identify, research, and analyze
legal issues ranging from the civil rights guaranteed in the constitution to punishments for civil
and criminal deviations from the norm. After establishing a solid foundation in the basic
elements of constitutional, criminal, civil, contract, tort, marital, family law, and terrorism the
learner will end with a mock trial that will require the application of all previously mastered
material (NRHS P.O.S., pg. 48).
Once students are taught specific rights within the Constitution, various case studies are
constantly utilized in class in order for students to scrutinize actual applications of the law.
Students have an opportunity to voice their opinions amongst their peers as controversial issues
are brought to the forefront for discussion and debate. Most importantly, many of the case
studies addressed in class apply to high school or teen-related issues or concerns.
Guest Speakers:
In the past, individuals from the following occupations have visited to share their insights with
the class:
Massachusetts State Police Officer
Probation Officer
Civil Attorney
Homicide Detective
This is a valued part of the curriculum as students begin to think about possible professions.
Field Trip (s):
Essex House of Corrections - Middleton, Massachusetts (Scared Straight Program)

2. RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
PREPARATION:
Be prepared with textbook, pens/pencils, homework or whatever is asked of you the previous
classes.
ON TIME:
This means be in your seat and ready to go when the bell rings (take care of whatever you need to
before the bell rings for class).
MUTUAL RESPECT:
I will treat each and every one of you with respect and I expect the same treatment to be accorded
to all within the classroom.
EFFORT:
The bottom line is if you want to succeed in my classroom, you must show an honest effort every
day. This includes your desire to come prepared for class each day ready to learn and participate.
GRADING
Assignments are generally divided up into the categories listed below in bold. Each assignment is
given a point value. However, the point values of each category are quite different. The ranges of
point values designated for each category below are somewhat flexible depending on the unit of
study and the progress of the class at that particular point in time.
Tests/Projects/Papers:
There are not a set number of tests, projects, and papers each term, since we will be spending
more time on certain units than others. This is a significant part of your grade; so do not wait
until the night before to study for a given exam or to complete a project. It will be advantageous
for you to begin reviewing the material in advance; this will enable you to see me for extra help if
necessary. Tests are started promptly at the beginning of each test period; therefore, you need to
prepare and ask questions in advance of the test day. Tests typically are worth 100 points, while
projects and papers occasionally carry more point value depending on the depth of the
assignment.
Homework:
This will be assigned on a daily basis. It is expected that each student will have his or her
homework assignment clearly visible on his or her desk at the start of each class. If a student does
not make this necessary preparation before the homework check, it is possible to lose all credit
for that particular assignment. If a specific written assignment is not assigned, you are still
expected to be reviewing your notes and materials each night. Homework assignments that are
collected will be graded on either content or completeness. However, the content is often
discussed in class so students need to maintain focus as we review homework assignments.
STUDENTS CAN ONLY MAKE-UP HOMEWORK IN THE CASE OF AN ABSENCE OR AN

3. EMERGENCY (PARENTAL NOTE REQUIRED). Homework assignments generally vary from
1-25 points depending on the difficulty and length of the assignment.
Class work/Participation:
It is encouraged that students keep a portfolio, but this is not a requirement. This may include old
tests, quizzes, papers, and handouts within this 3 ring binder. The portfolio may also include
short essays, reflections, response statements, article reviews, worksheets, current events
perspectives, etc. This portfolio will be helpful to students as they prepare for the midterm and
final exams.
Students are also expected to raise their hands when responding instead of shouting out answers.
This is an active classroom so students will benefit most when they become actively engaged in
the classroom. Any disciplinary infractions or excessive unexcused absences during the term will
substantially affect this grade.
The participation component is important, since this class will involve extensive discussions,
debates, and role-plays. It is expected that all students will participate in class discussions,
debates, and presentation activities. Participation is an important factor at the end of the term
when calculating the final grade. Students who participate regularly in class will be rewarded and
given the benefit of the doubt when factoring final grades each term. Students who do not make
an effort to participate in class can expect to be penalized for class assignments. This penalty will
vary depending on the level of participation required for that particular assignment. For example,
a debate would be more apt to carry increased value over a written reflection.
Class work assignments range from 5-50 points depending on the difficulty and length of each
assignment and participation will be factored in that grade.
Quizzes:
The majority of quizzes will be announced, unless I feel there is a need to give a pop quiz.
Homework quizzes may also be given. These are not meant to be difficult, but if you do not do a
thorough job on homework, they will not be easy. Quizzes can range in point value from 10 -50
points.
ATTENTION:
*A variety of formal and informal assessments are used in this class. There are a high number of
informal assessments, since this is more of a discussion-oriented class. It is also to accommodate
the various learning styles of all students.
*Debates in this class may center on sensitive subjects such as abortion, capital punishment, and
marital issues. If a student feels uncomfortable about a particular subject, he or she should speak
with me beforehand.
*Various assessments will be utilized in this class in order to try and meet the learning styles of
all students.
*For each major paper, you will be given a due date and a deadline. If you are absent the day a
paper is due, you are expected to turn it in at the next school day. Late papers can be handed in
the next school day (not class meeting) to me in person, but students will be penalized 10 points

4. for each day late (not class meetings, one day = one school day) for up to 3 days. After this three-
day grace period, students will receive a 0 or no credit. If you decide to drop assignments in my
mailbox, there is no guarantee that I will receive them. I recommend that you hand all
assignments to me in person.
*It is strongly suggested that students have access at home to a working computer and printer. If
not, students will have to make the time in power block or after school to utilize the school’s
technology. There may be several assignments (i.e. current events, web quests, or jigsaws) each
term that require some Internet or database research on a computer. In most cases, students are
required to print out their research articles and printer or computer issues will not be acceptable
excuses for late work. In the event of printer malfunction, students should save their work to a
disk and print out at school before class instead of interrupting the lesson.
*If you are absent, it is your responsibility to check with the teacher or a classmate concerning
make-up work. If you are absent on the day of a test or quiz, you will have one week from the
date of the actual assessment to make up the work. Students who approach me for make-up work
on a previously completed unit of study will not be given the opportunity to complete the missed
assignments (usually common toward the end of a term). Students need to take responsibility and
be proactive when trying to make up their work. Excessive absences will be addressed on an
individual basis.
*Pay attention to those segments of the student handbook, which might impact your performance!

5. Law Course Outline
I. WHAT IS LAW?
1) Lawmaking
2) Advocacy
3) The Court System
II. THE CONSTITUTION AND THE LAW
1) The Constitution and Lawmaking
2) Constitutional Freedoms
3) The Constitution and Fair Legal Procedure
III. CRIMINAL LAW
1) Types of Crimes
2) Criminal Procedure
3) Juvenile Justice
IV. TORT LAW AND CONTRACTS LAW
1) Civil Law
2) Torts: Duties to Others
3) Contracts
V. THE LAW IN EVERYDAY LIFE
1) Your Rights and Responsibilities as an Employee
2) Consumer Law
3) Housing Law
4) Paying Taxes
VI. FAMILY LAW
1) Marriage
2) Parents and Children
3) Separation, Divorce, and Custody
VII. LAW AND TERRORISM
1) The Law in Times of War
2) Surveillance and Searches
3) Detention and Interrogation
4) Rights at Trial
VIII. USING THE LAW
1) Working with a Lawyer
2) Mock Trial