Lesson Two: What is Court?

In this lesson, the students found out what courts were and what people were present in the court. Students learned about how Lincoln prepared for the court cases he was involved in.

Court- Place where trial is held
Trial - Event where a person goes to court and his or her innocence or guilt is proved
Lawyer - person who represents or defends people in court.
Attorney- another name for lawyer
Judge - the boss of the courtroom. Gives the sentencing if the defendant is found guilty.
Jury-group of people who listens to the evidence and decides if the defendant is guilty.
Testimony-statement of a witness under oath.
Crime- breaking a law
Courts are used when crimes are committed. A trial is held to determine whether the person actually did what they are being accused of doing.
There are different types of courts. The two we will be talking about are the State and Federal courts.
They are part of the judiciary branch and are independent of the legislative and executive branch

The students will also learn how this relates to Lincoln and his life in law.
 He would often work long hard hours in his office to prepare for court.
 He worked most days of the week on Sundays he would take his boys to the office with him.
Lincoln and his partners appeared before the Illinois State Supreme Court more than 5,100 times.

A - People in audience
B - Wall and gate
C - Attorney and Defendent
D - Attorney and Plaintiff
E - Police Officer
F - Court Clerk
G - Judge
H - Witness Stand
I - Jury

Resources
Freedman, R. (1987). Lincoln: A photobiography. New York: Clarion Books.