The Ohio Supreme Court brings oral arguments to local classrooms with free lesson plans.

The Ohio Supreme Court brings oral arguments to local classrooms with free lesson plans.

Ohio high schools can now get a front-row seat to how the Ohio Supreme Court operates, without even visiting Columbus. The Court’s Civic Education Section recently unveiled “Under Advisement: Ohio Supreme Court Cases on Demand.”

It’s a new classroom program created for high school students across Ohio to bolster their understanding of Ohio’s court system. It provides both a civil and a criminal case that were argued to the Ohio Supreme Court. Using lesson plans developed specifically for these cases, teachers will discuss with their students real cases that affect real people.

Teachers will lead students through an in-depth study of the cases which have already been decided. Students will read the facts of the cases, and then watch oral arguments on video to gain an insight to the interaction between the justices and lawyers.

Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor spearheaded this program and is thrilled that high school students will gain firsthand knowledge of the workings of the Court.

“No other Supreme Court in the country is doing this,” Chief Justice O’Connor said. “I encourage teachers to contact a local judge or attorney to help teach some of the lessons. Lawyers or judges create a real-world connection to the legal profession and courtroom, and help the material come alive for students.”

The lesson plans are free of charge and designed to align with Ohio’s Learning Standards for the High School American Government Curriculum. Teachers can access the lesson plans on the Court’s website and should email underadvisement@sc.ohio.gov with additional questions.