Courts and the Judicial Branch
ACE activities in this category include explorations of the way labels are used to explain judicial decisions; how judges approach making their rulings and the factors they must consider and  how judges are elected in Louisiana.

ACE ACTIVITIES:
How to Judge Judicial Candidates
In this activity, participants will be asked to identify the qualities and characteristics that are most important in selecting judges. They will pick their top five considerations in choosing judges individually and then in groups at tables. A warm-up exercise is included as well as a PowerPoint and two additional handouts. Estimated time to present: 30 to 40 minutes. Below are the links to an overview of the activity, which will guide your presentation, and all accompanying materials including a tip sheet on making a ACE presentation.

• Overview of How to Judge Judicial Candidates
  

• Handout 1: Most Important Qualities/Characteristics of Judges
  

• Handout 2: Chart showing of Louisiana's court system
  

• Handout 3: Considerations in Electing Trial Judges
  

• How to Judge Judicial Candidates PP 
  

• How to Judge Judicial Candidates Informational Sheet
  

• Tips for making a good ACE presentation
  

The Role of Juries
This activity explores the role and significance of juries in the American legal system. It is includes a PowerPoint to guide the presentation, three handouts and a backgrounder for the presenter. Please review Tips for Making a Good Presentation.

• Role of Juries Overview
  

• Role of Juries PP
  

• Handout: Jury Profile
  

• Handout: Landmark Cases
  

• Handout: Building a Jury
  

• Role of Juries Background for Presenter
  

• Tips for making a good ACE presentation
  

Sorting Out the Courts
This activity examines the different levels, functions and powers of state and federal courts. Three handouts are included and a PowerPoint. Estimated time to present: 30 minutes. Below are the links to an overview of the activity, which will guide your presentation, and all accompanying materials including a tips sheet on making an ACE presentation.

• Sorting Out the Courts Overview
  

• Sorting Out the Courts PP
  

• Handout 1 – Puzzled: Federal and State Courts
  

• Handout 2 – Steps of a Trial
  

• Handout 3 – Case Files
  

• Presenter Information
  

• Tips for making a good ACE presentation
  

What the Law Means
In this activity, participants will review the role of the judge in the judicial branch and how this branch/official is different from other branches of government and other elected officials. This activity provides a practical, easy-to-understand introduction to judicial decision-making and judicial review. One handout is included and a PowerPoint on judicial review. Estimated time to present: 30 minutes. Below are the links to an overview of the activity, which will guide your presentation, and all accompanying materials including a tip sheet on making an ACE presentation. The overview will guide you in the timing and delivery of the activity.

•  Overview of activity and how to present: What the Law Means
  

• Quotes
  

• Judicial Review PP 
  

• Tips for making a good ACE presentation