Argue landmark Supreme Court cases in Argument Wars
February 12, 2010
BY BILL FERRIS
Given the polarized public opinion on the direction of American government, a game named Argument Wars seems like the perfect classroom activity to learn about the judicial branch of government. In this classroom game from Our Courts, students will argue both sides in several famous Supreme Court cases. According to the Our Courts website:
“In Argument Wars, you debate historical Supreme Court cases by advancing arguments and backing them up with supports. Play New Jersey v. T.L.O., Brown v. Board of Education, or Gideon v. Wainwright today! Coming soon: Texas v. Johnson, Miranda v. Arizona and more!”
I don’t know if those cases are quite worthy of multiple exclamation points, but it’s good to know you’ll have a few options for when you stage your own mock trial in class. Argument Wars has a teachers guide and lesson plans to help you integrate the game into your teaching.
The game itself is a pretty fun one, like a judicial version of Magic the Gathering. Students get dealt cards that contain various arguments and supporting points. By playing the most valid arguments, the scary-looking judge will award points. Score more points than your opponent and you win. It’s a fun way for students to learn more about U.S. law, as well as recognizing what’s a valid argument and what’s not.
Related stuff:
Sandra Day O’Connor Presents Our Courts
