Justice Case Files
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A series of illustrated novels created by the National Center for State Courts to educate the public about how courts work, how judges make decisions and how courts are accountable to the law. Judges, court administrators, and other legal professionals developed the story lines and content. Comprehensive lesson plans developed by high school social studies teachers are available as teaching tools for each graphic novel. The books were illustrated and published by Layne Morgan Media, an educational graphic novel company based in Springfield, MO. Additional novels in the series are forthcoming.
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The National Center for State Courts (NCSC), headquartered in Williamsburg, VA, was founded in 1971 at the urging of Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger. The NCSC’s mission is to promote the Rule of Law and to improve the administration of justice in the state courts and courts around the world. The NCSC accomplishes this by providing education, leadership, research, and consulting and technology services to the courts. The NCSC also has offices in Denver, CO, Arlington, VA, and Washington, D.C.
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Justice Case Files 1: The Case of Internet Piracy tells the story of Megan, a college freshman charged with downloading music, and her grandmother who has received notice that the city plans to take her house through eminent domain.
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Justice Case Files 2: The Case of Stolen Identity tells the story of the Garcia family, whose identity is stolen through an email phishing scam.
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Justice Case Files 3: The Case of Jury Duty tells the story of Matthew Foley, an 18-year-old who has been summoned for jury duty on a case that involves underage drinking and driving. Readers learn how meaningful jury service is, how the jury system is a source of accountability for courts, and how our society benefits from the right of a jury of your peers.
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Justice Case Files 4: The Case of the Broken Controller is a narrative coloring book available to download for free. This book tells the story of Tyler, who wants justice because he says his friend broke his videogame controller. Through Tyler’s journey for justice, we hope you will learn about the court system, how it protects you and your family and about the men and women who work in the courts.
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Justice Case Files 5: The Case of the Cyberbully tells the story of Amber, who is bullied at school and online by classmate Madison. The bullying escalates to the point the case winds up in juvenile court.
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Justice Case Files 6: The Case of No Pets Allowed tells the story of the Ruiz family, who has received an eviction notice from their landlord because they own a dog. The parents speak minimal English and rely on their teenage son, who is bilingual, for English translation. The book follows the family through the court process of fighting the eviction but not understanding the process because of language barriers.