Civics Video
Trial By Jury: What's the Big Deal?
“Trial By Jury: What's the Big Deal?” is an animated presentation for high school civics classes in Georgia to increase court literacy among young people. This presentation was created to be used by high school civics teachers as a tool in fulfilling the requirements for the following Social Studies American Government/Civics (SSCG) Standards of Excellence:
SSCG1—The student will demonstrate knowledge of the political philosophies that shaped the development of United States constitutional government.
SSCG2—Demonstrate knowledge of the political philosophies that shaped the development of United States constitutional government.
SSCG6—Analyze the meaning and importance of each of the rights guaranteed under the Bill of Rights and how each is secured.
SSCG7—Demonstrate knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights.
SSCG14—Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice process.
SSCG16—Analyze the difference between involuntary and voluntary participation in civic life [including] how and why citizens are required by law to … serve on a jury[.]
SSCG22—The student will demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice process.
This animated presentation reviews the history and importance of trial by jury through a discussion of the Magna Carta, the Star Chamber, the trial of William Penn, the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Also covered in the presentation are how citizens are selected for jury duty, the role of a juror, and the importance of an impartial and diverse jury.