Simulating a Court Experience to Expand Diverse Perspectives and to Practice Civil Discourse
By Sandra S. Benson
Key Words: CIVIL DISCOURSE, LEGAL STUDIES PEDAGOGY, COURT SIMULATION, CONSTRUCTIVE LEARNING, COMMUNICATION SKILLS, CASE ANALYSIS, ROLE PLAYING, STRATEGIC THINKING SKILLS, CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
Abstract:
In U.S. society, incivility is rampant and people do not understand diverse viewpoints. The bigger question looms, “What can be done about it?” This article describes an activity, called The Court Experience, in which students grapple with diverse perspectives by rotating as judges, attorneys, jurors, and others, using reason and respectful communication to express ideas. Informal feedback is extremely positive, indicating that this activity may help students appreciate views they did not previously appreciate, strengthen their strategic and critical thinking skills, improve their oral and written communication skills, and enable them to grasp the big picture as to why it is important to consider legal issues when making business decisions.
By Sandra S. Benson
Key Words: CIVIL DISCOURSE, LEGAL STUDIES PEDAGOGY, COURT SIMULATION, CONSTRUCTIVE LEARNING, COMMUNICATION SKILLS, CASE ANALYSIS, ROLE PLAYING, STRATEGIC THINKING SKILLS, CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
Abstract:
In U.S. society, incivility is rampant and people do not understand diverse viewpoints. The bigger question looms, “What can be done about it?” This article describes an activity, called The Court Experience, in which students grapple with diverse perspectives by rotating as judges, attorneys, jurors, and others, using reason and respectful communication to express ideas. Informal feedback is extremely positive, indicating that this activity may help students appreciate views they did not previously appreciate, strengthen their strategic and critical thinking skills, improve their oral and written communication skills, and enable them to grasp the big picture as to why it is important to consider legal issues when making business decisions.
| jblep-v2-i1-benson.pdf |