Berkeley Carroll seventh graders recently brought their Humanities studies to life during the school’s annual Constitution Works courthouse simulation.

In preparation for the event, students spent weeks exploring the foundations of the U.S. legal system, studying the Constitution, the branches of government, and the rights protected under the First Amendment. Working in teams, they researched legal precedents, developed persuasive arguments, and practiced the skills of public speaking, collaboration, and critical thinking.

The unit culminated in a simulated Supreme Court case held in a real courtroom in Downtown Brooklyn. There, students took on the roles of lawyers and justices, presenting arguments, questioning opposing teams, and weighing the constitutional issues at the heart of the case.

Inspired by real Supreme Court cases, the simulation challenged students to think deeply about the balance between free speech, national security, and the responsibilities of the judicial system. It also gave them a firsthand look at how legal arguments are constructed and debated in a courtroom setting.

Through research, writing, and live courtroom debate, students experienced civics in a real hands-on way.

Congratulations to our seventh graders for their hard work and thoughtful advocacy in bringing constitutional history to life.

View the full photo gallery to see highlights from the courthouse simulation.