The 14th Amendment: An Introduction

Invite a judge to explain to your students the provisions of the14th Amendment and how it is one of the most challenged amendments in our courts, including the Supreme Court.

Section 1, Fourteenth Amendment, U.S. Constitution: All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Lesson Length: 30-45 minutes

Age Group: Grade 3 – 12

Description:

An introduction to the 14th Amendment using the decision of Brown v. The Board of Education.

Objectives:

(1) Familiarize students with the facts of Brown v. Board;

(2) Introduce students to the concept of Equal Rights; and

(3) Demonstrate how the rights of the people provided by the U.S. Constitution have not always been applied equally.