Lesson flow
Opening Hook
Begin with a thought-provoking question: "What if the laws in one state allowed actions that were illegal in another? How would you feel about that?" Encourage brief student responses.
Story Exploration
Read "The Tried Assassin" aloud. Pause at key moments to discuss characters' motivations and feelings. Allow students to express initial thoughts on the plot and characters.
Analysis Exercises
Break students into small groups to analyze the judge's decision and the counsel's argument. Each group will discuss the implications of jurisdiction on the trial's outcome and present their conclusions to the class.
Application/Reflection
Have students reflect on a situation where they might have felt justice was served or denied. Write a short paragraph about their experience and share with a partner.
Assessment Strategy
Conduct a quick quiz with true/false questions based on the story and its themes. This will assess comprehension and retention of the moral lesson.
STORY OVERVIEW
- Title and moral/theme: The Tried Assassin; Justice can vary significantly between jurisdictions, and what may be deemed lawful in one place may not be recognized in another.
- Plot Summary: In a New England court, an assassin is put on trial for murder. His defense counsel argues for a discharge, claiming the assassin has already been acquitted in California. However, the judge rules that the previous trial does not apply, emphasizing the complexities of justice across different jurisdictions.
- Key Characters:
- The Assassin: Represents the moral ambiguity of justice and the consequences of one's actions.
- The Counsel: Embodiment of legal strategy and the challenges of navigating different legal systems.
- The Judge: Symbolizes authority and the interpretation of justice within the framework of law.
LESSON FUNDAMENTALS
- Learning Objectives:
- Students will understand the concept of legal jurisdiction and its impact on justice.
- Students will analyze the moral implications of the story and its relevance to real-life situations.
- Students will explore the idea of justice and how it can differ across cultures and legal systems.
- Students will engage in critical thinking about right and wrong as represented in the story.
- Discussion Questions:
- How does the setting of the trial influence the notion of justice in the story?
- In what ways does the story challenge our understanding of morality and legality?
- Can you think of a real-world example where justice was perceived differently in various places?
- Required Materials:
- Copies of "The Tried Assassin"
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector for visual aids (if necessary)
Original text available on the story page.