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This area of lawforwa provides links to classroom activities, background information and other resources for K-12 teachers.

Teaching About Government: The U.S. Library of Congress offers a educate students about the government and the legislative process. In THOMAS's Legislative Resources for Teachers, you'll find classroom activities, lesson plans, primary sources, and links to information written just for kids.

This area of lawforwa links you to general information about the American system of law and government as well as specific information about Washington state.

Alito Faces Senate Questioning: The U.S. Senate is preparing for the confirmation hearings of Judge Samuel Alito, nominated to fill the current vacancy on the Supreme Court. Keep up with in the Washington Post, and on National Public Radio.

Under Construction

This area of lawforwa provides answers to questions about law and government most commonly asked by media professionals.

Shield Law in the Works: A group of state legislators from both parties are advocating a new law to protect the confidential sources of news reporters. Read the latest in the , and see editorial opinion.

Under Construction

In this area of lawforwa you will find links to information on how to find, hire and work with a lawyer.

How to Skip Law School: A small number of lawyers are able to pass the bar exam and practice law without the financial burden of attending law school, due to a in Washington state. Read about it on the Washington State Bar Association's website.

In this area of lawforwa you will find resources for preventing common legal problems, and for solving them once they arise. Please choose one of the topics below to see a list of resources or a list of subtopics.

New Bankruptcy Law: If you suddenly find yourself in unmanageable debt, be aware that recent changes in the law make it harder for individuals to declare bankruptcy. Learn about the at the Nolo legal information website.

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Family (96)
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Finding a Lawyer (16)
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Law in Popular Culture (4)
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Native American/Indian Law (1)
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Working with Lawyers (7)
Youth (17)

Downloading Music From the Internet

A recent Supreme Court decision may lead to legal action against file-sharing services that help internet users trade music and movies in violation of copyright law. Downloading free music off the internet is a way of life for many young people, who may not understand why it is often illegal.

  • Learn about the file-sharing law and the on National Public Radio's website.
  • Find out in an informative article by journalist Timothy McNulty.
  • The Recording Industry of America's website offers an extensive list of where music can be downloaded.
  • If you disagree with the file-sharing laws and want to help change them, check out the efforts of the .

     

     

     

     

     

     

What Judges Do for Democracy

The concept of judicial independence has been in the news a lot lately as higher court judges issue decisions unpopular with politicians. Learn more about what our Constitution expects judges to do, and what role they play in our system.

  • Find out from the Justice at Stake Campaign.
  • Explore from the American Bar Association.
  • Do you agree with those who defend judicial independence? See what had to say recently, as well as Supreme Court justices .

     

     

     

     

     

     

Teaching About the U.S. Constitution

Insuring that students understand the U.S. Constitution is key to preparing them to be informed, active citizens, which has always been a primary goal of public education. Indeed, schools are required by state and federal law to teach the Constitution; it is included in Washington's , and new federal legislation requires public schools to commemorate Constitution Day (September 17th).

  • See all of lawforwa's resources on the U.S. Constitution.
  • A wide variety of lesson plans and other educational material appropriate for use on Constitution Day have been compiled by the and .
  • A new American Bar Association program encourages educators and others to instigate .
  • Spurred by the new federal law, many will also celebrate Constitution Day.

     

     

     

     

     

     

The Rights of the Media

What happens when the rights granted to the media by the First Amendment conflict with other Constitutional rights? Explore some of lawforwa's resources on this issue:

  • Washington's has worked since 1963 to address the tension between the Constitutional values of "free press" and "fair trial".
  • An from Cornell University's Legal Information Institute.

     

     

     

     

     

     

Do I Need A Lawyer?

You might decide to consult a lawyer because you are in a crisis situation ... or because you want to avoid a crisis in the future. Many law-related organizations offer useful advice for people who think they might need a lawyer but don't know where to begin.

  • The American Bar Association can help you decide .
  • The Access to Justice Board explains how low income individuals can get .
  • Information from the Washington State Bar Association on .