Be the Judge / Be the Jury

These four books put the reader at controversial trials in American jurisprudence. Rappaport presents evidence in the form of actual witness testimony, lawyers’ opening and closing statements, and then readers decide what they think the verdict.

Tinker vs. Des Moines and The Alger Hiss Trial
Notable Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, National Council for the Social Studies.

The Lizzie Borden Trial.
New York Public Library, Books for the Teenage.

Reviews

The Lizzie Borden Trial. “Through an open format in which readers are the jury, [Rappaport] leads them through the steps of a trial in clear language and using solid definitions. At each stage of the trial, provocative questions are posed to allow readers to sift through the facts and draw their own conclusions. A fascinating chapter in history in a compelling format.” School Library Journal

“The sensational 1892 murder trial is a compelling introduction to how the legal system works. Rappaport asks you to be the jury at every stage as she presented edited testimony and cross-examination and adds her own commentary. Without wallowing in the gruesome details, the author retains the drama of the trail and builds suspense to the verdict. This is a great idea for the classroom as well as personal reading.”ALA Booklist

“For would-be lawyers and true-crime fans, an account that shows how justice has—and hasn’t—changed in a hundred years.” Kirkus Reviews

The Alger Hiss Trial. “This is a rare sort of nonfiction title; it presents the facts but also inspires, fascinates and provides food for thought.” School Library Journal

The Sacco-Vanzetti Trial. “This is a fascinating book at a slice of American jurisprudence and social behavior.” School Library Journal

Tinker vs. Des Moines. “If I were teaching social studies, I’d definitely choose [this] book…as a core book. In exciting detail, she covers civil rights, students rights and freedom of speech. She excels in her presentation of . . . the Vietnam War, American sentiment toward the war, and the controversy surrounding anti-war demonstrators.” Voice of Youth Advocates.

“This title is outstanding in its presentation of a fascinating court case involving young people, written on a level that even challenged readers can handle, without sacrificing complexity or syntax. They will also enjoy the interviews, conducted 27 years later, with principal participants in the case. Finally, Justice Hugo Black’s dissenting opinion leaves students with much to discuss and consider. A thought-provoking and accessible read.” School Library Journal

 

“An illumination of the issues raised in an important 1965 case testing students’ civil liberties. Carefully setting the stage in a Vietnam-era high school, Rappaport tells how seven students who wore black armbands to mourn the war dead were suspended. Rappaport quotes extensively from trial transcripts, adding commentary to clarify issues and show how the courts addressed them. Only after giving readers three chances to play judge does she present the Supreme Court’s decision. Interviews with some of the participants, 27 years later, show how the results strengthened or changed their views. A valuable resource that will also interest students who want to know how the legal system may affect them in school.” Kirkus Reviews

 

 

 

 

Here are the questions asked by the prosecution and the defense of Lola R. Andrews.

Excerpt from The Alger Hiss Trial.
Click the images to enlarge and read the text.

Excerpt from Tinker vs. Des Moines..
Click the images to enlarge and read the text.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Study Guides

Doreen’s study guides

 

 

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