Introduction to Lawwith Mr. Fenton

Tentative* Course Topics

• Constitutional Law• Torts• Criminal Law• Criminal Procedure• Evidence

• Consumer Law• Family Law• Basic Trial Procedure•Mock Trials

*I reserve the right to amend this list

Course Format

•No Comp and no AP test•Lecture and Discussion•Presentations and Mock Trials•Minimal homework•Guest speakers

Suggested Texts

•Street Law: A Course in Practical Law, 8th edition•Law 101: Everything You Need to Know About American Law, 4th edition, by Jay Feinman

Grading

•Tests: 25%• One per trimester

•Quizzes: 25%• 2-3 per month

•Participation: 20%•Presentations/Mock Trials: 20%•Homework: 10%

Supplies

•1” binder•Pocket folder•1 subject notebook•Communication Journal

Mr. Fenton’sClassroom Contract

• Rules• Procedures

Rule #1

Be ResponsibleCome to class on time. Bring all of your materials with you, and have any assignments completed. When class is over, leave your desk in as good or better shape than it was in when you arrived.

Attend to all personal needs before class begins (e.g. use the restroom, sharpen

your pencils, etc.) Be in your seat, quietly working on the Do Now when I

close the door at the beginning of class.

Rule #2

Be Prepared

Rule #3

Be RespectfulTreat others as you would like to be treated. Keep your hands to yourself. Be kind to your classmates and to me. Act like a young adult.

Rule #4

Be EngagedPay attention to the speaker (either me or whoever has the floor). Follow directions the first time they are given. Participate actively.

Rule #5

Follow all policies and procedures outlined in the BASIS Parent/Student Handbook

Be a Supernova

Following rules will result in . .

•Verbal acknowledgement

•A stress-free learning environment

•5 free quiz points per trimester

Not Following Rules will result in . . .•1st offense

•Warning and documentation

•2nd

• Action Plan and Parental Contact

•3rd

•Disciplinary Referral (a.k.a. pink slip and a meeting with Ms. Mognett)

*One free quiz point will be deducted for each offense

Mr. Fenton’s Action Plan

1.What’s the problem?

2. What’s causing the problem?

3. What plan will you use to solve the problem?

________________ Date _______________________ ______________________ Student’s Signature Parent/Guardian Signature

“Severe” ClauseIf a student commits a severe rule violation, an administrator will be called in to remove the student from class

Classroom Procedures

Entering the Room

•Pick up handouts from table by door •Go to your assigned seat•Take out your materials•Copy the agenda into your CJ•When I say that class has begun, stop all conversation and begin “Do Now”

If you are late . . .

• Enter quietly

• Excused: Place signed/written excuse in the basket on my desk

• Unexcused: Sign tardy sheet

• Quietly go to your seat and take out your materials

Getting Your Attention

I will . . .

• Stand in front of the class

• Raise my hand

•Wait for everyone to be quiet

• Begin speaking

1.Work on unfinished law assignments2.Start working on the next law assignment3.Review law notes4.Help a neighbor with law assignments5.See me for more materials

If you finish classwork early…

If you were absent…• Email me at Benjamin.Fenton@basismesa.org, OR • Come see me the FIRST day you return to school

Late Work• Students turning an assignment in late due to an

excused absence will have as many days as they were gone to turn it in (e.g. if you were out for two days, an assignment that was due Monday may be turned in by Wednesday for full credit)• For students who were not absent, I will accept

late work a MAXIMUM of one calendar day past the original due date; there will be a 50% score reduction

Restroom policy•Use the restroom before class•You may ONLY use the restroom in an emergency • If you truly cannot wait until class is over, raise your hand and sign the letter “R” for Restroom•Sign the restroom sheet by the door

Classroom Discussions•PLEASE participate; I really want to hear what you have to say•Raise your hand and wait for me to call on you before speaking (i.e. Don’t blurt things out)•Make all questions and comments relevant to the current discussion• If your question is off topic, write it down and ask later

Class Dismissal

•The clock does not dismiss you; I do!•Wait until I tell you to start packing up•Make sure that your table is in the same position as when you entered class and that no paper or materials are left on the table or floor •When I say the magic words: “Have a Great Day!”, you are dismissed