Welcome Back!

Introduction to Law & U.S. Government

Ms. Jackson | Spring Semester 2025

Hello Students,

Welcome back! I hope you had a refreshing break and are ready to dive back into our exciting journey through the world of law and government. Let’s get right into what’s new and updated in our Google Classroom:

What’s New in the Google Classroom

• 2025 Spring Semester Calendar + Zoom Information: A detailed Spring Semester Calendar is now available in the Classwork section. This calendar includes the dates of all your lectures and live classes. Additionally, the information for accessing our Zoom meetings is provided here. Please note that we will use the same Zoom meeting ID and passcode for every session, so keep it handy!
• Mock Trial Scheduling: Later this semester, most of you will need to schedule your Mock Trial. A booking link is available in the Classwork section for you to secure your trial date when the time comes.
• Discussion Prompts: Discussion Prompt questions are now worth 100 points each. To earn full credit, you must meet the required word count, thoughtfully respond to peers, and reflect deeply on the given topics. This is your opportunity to showcase effort and put energy into your answers. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers, but responses that are clearly AI-generated or lack effort will not earn full credit.
• Student Blogs: Throughout the semester, you’ll have the opportunity to create and publish blog posts on the cases we cover in class for extra credit. This is your chance to reflect on what you’ve learned, express your opinions, and showcase your understanding.

Class Chatroom

A new Class Chatroom is now available on the Àbulę website for peer discussions, Q&A, and collaboration. Use it to connect with classmates, share ideas, and ask questions outside of live sessions. Keep discussions respectful and on-topic! You can access the chat by clicking here.

What’s Coming Up

• Student Firms: You’ve been partnered into law firms to collaborate on projects and prepare for the upcoming Mock Trial. These groups will serve as your teams for assignments, case preparation, and trial strategies. Communication and teamwork are key to your success!
• Mock Trial Scheduling: Later this semester, most of you will need to schedule your Mock Trial. A booking link is available in the Classwork section for you to secure your trial date when the time comes.

Reminders

1. Continue participating actively in discussions—it’s the best way to deepen your understanding.
2. Digital Notebooks: Your digital notebooks will be due at the end of the semester and are worth 500 points. Your previous grade has been reset. Do not delete any material from the Fall Semester. Simply add new pages for the topics we’ll cover this semester to maintain a complete record of your learning journey.
3. If you have questions or need extra help, don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email.

I’m thrilled to see your growth as budding legal scholars and can’t wait to see the amazing work you’ll do this semester. Let’s make it a fantastic continuation of our learning journey!

Best regards,
Ms. Jackson