(1) What is the intent of the law? 06/11/2025

This engaging and interactive course invites middle school students to explore the exciting world of law and uncover its vital role in shaping our communities and society. Students will dive into the intent and purpose of laws, learning how they establish order, protect individual rights, and promote fairness in everyday life. Through hands-on lessons and discussions, students will master essential legal vocabulary—terms like “justice,” “ordinance,” and “democracy”—empowering them to discuss legal concepts with confidence and clarity. The course will delve into the concept of justice, exploring how it ensures fairness by balancing individual needs with the common good, using relatable examples to illustrate its importance.

Students will discover the principles of democracy, understanding how laws support a system where everyone’s voice matters, and learn the responsibilities of good citizenship, such as respecting laws, participating in community decisions, and advocating for fairness. The course will also provide an in-depth exploration of local governance by examining the role of city councils—how they operate, make decisions, and create local rules called ordinances. Students will distinguish between laws, which are broader rules set by state or federal governments, and ordinances, which are local regulations tailored to specific community needs, like rules about parking or trash collection.

To make learning relevant and fun, students will analyze real-world legal scenarios that highlight the intent of laws and ordinances in everyday situations. For example, they’ll explore cases like local parking regulations (e.g., why certain areas have time limits), trash disposal ordinances (e.g., recycling rules to protect the environment), driving laws (e.g., speed limits to ensure safety), and other community-specific ordinances. Through activities like group discussions, role-playing exercises,  and case study analyses, students will develop critical thinking skills to evaluate legal principles, assess their impact on individuals and communities, and understand why these rules exist.

By the end of the course, students will gain a deeper appreciation for how laws and ordinances shape their world and emerge as informed, thoughtful citizens ready to contribute to a fair and democratic society.