CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL
BUSINESS EDUCATION
STREET LAW
CIP Code: 520703
Course Title: Street Law
Course Description: The purpose of this course is to explore topics of law that are particularly relevant to the lives of
students. Street Law provides a basic foundation in law by introducing students to the basics of the legal system, ethics,
criminal law and juvenile justice.
Purpose of Course: A general course that focuses on law and new issues from the perspective of the social sciences
and humanities. Includes instruction in the theory and practice of the legal system, including the statutory, administrative,
and judicial components of civil and criminal law. To provide basic law knowledge, skills, and attitude as a foundation and
beginning course in a sequence of courses designed to train students for careers in business.
Graduation Requirement: Elective course; fulfills .5 occupational education (CTE) credits
Prerequisite:
None
Course Level: 9th to 12th grade
Class Fees: None
Course Length: 90 hours (1 semester)
SYLLABUS
Street Law is a 90-hour exploratory course addressing statutes and regulations affecting businesses, families, and
individuals in their related roles. Street Law is designed to use real world mock trials (simulations of real-life court room
drama) to engage students in topics that are particularly relevant to the lives of students. Mock trials help students gain a
basic understanding of the legal mechanism through which society resolves many of its disputes. While learning the
details of the trial and appellate process and the substantive content of the case, students also develop a number of skills:
critical analysis of problems, strategic thinking, questioning skills, listening skills, skills in oral presentation and
extemporaneous argument, and skills in preparing and organizing material.
This course introduces students to basic knowledge of the legal system. It is a foundational course for students in the
Business and Marketing Pathway and prepares students for any of the five career clusters (identified by the U.S.
Department of Education States Career Clusters) in the Business and Marketing Pathway. Specific learning standards are
outlined in the framework. All of these tools will continue to be used throughout the high school exploratory and
preparatory sequence.
COURSE OVERVIEW/STANDARDS
The outline below gives an overview of the components of the Street Law course. This framework includes the
performance task/assessment, standards and competencies, and connection to Washington State Education Reform
Initiatives including EALRs and Goals 1-4. The standards for this framework are taken from the National Business
Education Standards released in October 2001 (www.nbea.org). Street Law also meets the content standards for civics
and government as outlined in the National Standards for Civics and Government.
COURSE OUTLINE
Integrated
Standards
3 weeks
8 weeks
Introduction to Law and the Legal
System
Criminal Law and Juvenile Justice
2 weeks
5 weeks
Scripted mock trials
Mock Trial
Rules; Expectations; Introductions; Ergonomics
Career Development; Ethical Responsibilities; Leadership; Safety and Security;
Teamwork
What Is Law?; Lawmaking; Advocacy; Settling Disputes; The Court System;
Lawyers
Crime in America; Intro. to Criminal Law; Crimes Against the Person; Crimes
Against Property; Defenses; Criminal Justice Process: The Investigation,
Proceedings Before Trial, The Trial, Sentencing and Corrections; Juvenile
Justice; Law and Terrorism
Practice mock trials with scripts
The Trial: How Do You Get There?
Steps in a Trial: What Are They?
The Jury: How Do You Select One?
A Talk Show: What’s the Case About?
Theory of the Case & Opening Statements
Opening Statements, Witness Examinations, & Closing Arguments
The Rules of Evidence & Procedure
The Mock Trial
Debriefing the Mock Trial
VIDEO DISCLAIMER
Periodically, videos will be shown in the course related to the unit topics. The videos may include content that is R-rated,
or not rated, but may include material that is graphic, of a violent nature, or contain strong language, or other elements, or
a combination of the above. Students will be able to complete an alternative assignment instead of watching a specific
video if the parent(s) or student chooses. If you have any questions, please contact me.
GRADING SCALE
GRADE
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F (Attempted)
F (Not done)
POINTS
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.3
1.7
1.3
1.0
0
0
PERCENT
92.5 - 100.00
90.0 - 92.49
86.5 - 89.99
82.5 - 86.49
80.0 - 82.49
76.5 - 79.99
72.5 - 76.49
70.0 - 72.49
66.5 - 69.99
60.0 - 66.49
0.0 - 59.99
0.0
GRADE SUMMARY
Based on a Total Points system
Leadership; Daily Assignments; Quizzes; Tests; Final Integrated Project (Mock Trial)
CLASSROOM RULES
 No eating or drinking in the classroom
 Be in class before the bell rings ready to work; CHS attendance policies will be followed
 Cheating/Plagiarism—All students involved - failure on assignment, referral to administration
 If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed (check class calendar on Skyward)
 You are allowed the number of days absent (ex.) plus one (+1) to turn in the missed work—work not turned in by
the deadline may receive a 0
 You are responsible for having read and knowing the information in the student handbook. In particular, note:
Tardy Policy (pg. 12)
Misconduct (pg. 13)
Personal Electronic Devices are prohibited during class time (pg. 15)
Computer Misuse (pg. 15)
Cheating/Plagiarism (pg. 15)
Profane Language & Bullying/Harassment (pg. 15)
.
RESOURCES

Street Law—A Course in Practical Law by Scott, Arbetman & O’Brien, Text (Glencoe)
 Street Law Website: www.streetlaw.org
 Glencoe Companion Website: www.streetlaw.glencoe.com
 Class Website: http://capital.osd.wednet.edu/staff/mcfadden/street_law
CONTACT INFORMATION
 E-mail: amcfadden@osd.wednet.edu
 Voice Message: 360-596-8254
Video Permission—Parent:
□ My son/daughter HAS my permission to view all
videos shown in class
□ My son/daughter does NOT have my permission
and needs an alternative assignment
Student Signature
Parent Signature
Date