WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SIMULATION?
1. SET UP & LOGIN
Select a module, create a session, and share it with your students by displaying it on your shared classroom screen. Ask your students to go to the URL displayed at the top of the classroom screen and enter the code to join.
As students log in, the software assigns them a role. Ask your students to read their Brief. Once enough students have logged in, you can begin by clicking Close Roster. Late students will be able to join at any time.
A Supreme Decision module can usually be run in one 60-minute session or split into two 40-minute sessions.
2. WELCOME
Play the Welcome video to introduce Supreme Decision to your class. Each phase of Supreme Decision is accompanied by a video that explains what students need to do.
At the end of the Welcome video, have your students circle up in their groups and discuss the question displayed on the left side of their screen. Have one member of each group share their answer.
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Student Justice Screen
Student Lawyer Screen
3. BACKGROUND
Play the Background video to explain the case to the class. Use the discussion question at the end to ensure that students understand the basics of the case.
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Student Justice Screen
Student Lawyer Screen
4. JUDICIAL LENSES
A short video will introduce the concept of Judicial Lenses. Use the discussion questions at the end to ensure that students understand each of the lenses the Justices are using.
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Student Justice Screen
Student Lawyer Screen
5. THE FACTS
The Facts video provides further details on the case, including information on precedent.
After the video:
- The Petitioners should work together to identify the facts that support their case.
- The Respondents should work together to identify the facts that support their case.
- The Justices should identify which facts are most relevant to their Judicial Lens.
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Student Justice Screen
Student Lawyer Screen
6. PREP FOR ORAL ARGUMENTS
During this phase, students will take notes to prepare for Oral Arguments.
The Petitioners and Respondents should write their opening statements and notes for Oral Arguments. Each team should pick 1-3 students to deliver the opening statement.
Justices should write questions that challenge the Petitioners and Respondents to justify their arguments and explain their positions.
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Student Justice Screen
Student Lawyer Screen
7. OPENING STATEMENTS
The Petitioners and Respondents will each be called on to deliver their opening statements to the Justices.
Justices should listen closely and add to their questions for each side.
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Student Justice Screen
Student Lawyer Screen
8. QUESTIONS
After Opening Statements, the Justices will be called on to ask each side questions about their arguments.
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Student Justice Screen
Student Lawyer Screen
9. DELIBERATION
During Deliberation, encourage the Justices to share their thoughts on the case and their interpretation of the law.
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Student Justice Screen
Student Lawyer Screen
10. RULING
The Justices should use their device to offer a ruling. If you have time, you can ask each Justice to take a moment and explain their ruling.
In case of a tie, the ruling goes to the Respondents.
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Student Justice Screen
Student Lawyer Screen
11. RESULTS
The Results page displays the final ruling, divided into majority and minority opinions. Give those in the minority a moment to share their reasoning.
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Student Justice Screen
Student Lawyer Screen
12. EPILOGUE
Ask the students to step out of the role-play to discuss the case and share insights from the experience.
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Student Justice Screen
Student Lawyer Screen
