Teaching the Judicial Branch

Teaching the judicial branch can be daunting. The resources below will help you and your students understand the structure and function of our court system both on a national and state level. 

Educational Resources  Florida Landmark Cases  How the Courts Compare

VIDEOS: Learn about the Florida Supreme Court and Florida State Court System

• VIDEO: Welcome to the Florida Supreme Court
  Watch the Welcome to the Florida Supreme Court video in your classroom.
  This short six-minute video explains the court system in Florida and gives an overview of the Florida Supreme Court.
• VIDEO: The Judicial Branch - www.iCivics.org 
  Watch the iCivics Judicial Branch video. This short six-minute video is made by teens for teens and explains court cases, how they are structured, what judges do, and the differences between trial and appellate courts.

DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHICS

Graphics can be downloaded using "Save As" or click the image for a PDF version.

FLORIDA'S COURT STRUCTURE SS.7.C.3.11	FLORIDA'S THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT SS.4.C.3.1 & SS.7.C.3.8
JURISDICTION (AS OF 1/1/2020) SS.7.C.3.11	JURISDICTION (AS OF 1/1/2020) SS.7.C.3.11
COUNTY/CIRCUIT COURTS IN FLORIDA	DISTRICT COURTS OF APPEAL IN FLORIDA
JUDGES IN FLORIDA	FLORIDA SUPREME COURT'S MANDATORY JURISDICTION  SS.7.C.3.11
DIAGRAM OF A TRIAL COURTROOM SS.7.C.3.11	DIAGRAM OF A DISTRICT COURTROOM (APPELLATE COURT) SS.7.C.3.11

ADDITIONAL VIDEOS

VIDEO: Watch The Florida Bar #justadulting video explaining Florida's court system.

VIDEO: Judicial Elections by the Volusia County Bar Association

VIDEO: The Rule of Law 

From the Bill of Rights Institute (http://billofrightsinstitute.org/ )

Do you understand why the rule of law is essential for maintaining a free society? This short, engaging video on the constitutional principle of the rule of law. Exciting visuals from current events, an engaging historical narrative, brief scholar interviews, and memorable quotes will make this 8-minute video perfect for use on Bill of Rights Day, and every day! A short viewing guide is also available to guide you through the content. For an in-depth exploration of this principle, including primary sources and additional resources, visit the Bill of Rights Institute web page.

Additional Web Resources

• US Courts - Educational Resources
• National Constitution Center 
• Bill of Rights Institute
• Annenberg Classroom
• The Florida Bar Website regarding judicial merit retention