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Pericles and Greek Democracy I

In the relatively short history of human civilization, democracy has only rarely emerged as a way of doing public business. In ancient Greece, democracy matured by means of the politics of rhetoric through the efforts of a group of aristocrats.

Grades 6-8 | 9-12
History-Social Science
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Roles in the Court

There is this idea that yes, England is far off. To some degree, Williamsburg is far off, but the people who serve in the local community are the connection with those far off governments. And the people who are appointed to serve on the court are from that community.

Grades 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-12
History-Social Science
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Revolution and the Courts

Even as the Revolution gathered in strength, the basic court system changed very little. Although the Declaration of Independence sought to liberate the states from Britain, Jefferson wanted to continue the basic rule of English law.

Grades 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-12
History-Social Science
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Court Days

Monthly Court sessions, known as “Court Day,” became woven into the fabric of society as a primary meeting place in the county. Court Day was a time to conduct business, vote or seek entertainment.

Grades 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-12
History-Social Science
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County Courts

When the population in Virginia began to rise in the late 1620's and into the early 1630's, the volume of litigation is what ultimately lead to the movement to create the county courts as the ultimate institution of local governance.

Grades 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-12
History-Social Science
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Lasting Impact of Virginia Courts

Virginia was home to the first courts of the new world and its founding fathers went on to influence the judicial system, not only of this nation, but beyond. As in the past, Virginia continues to play a role in making history.

Grades 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-12
History-Social Science
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Governor William Barkley

With the growing popularity of tobacco, Virginia’s population swelled to 10 counties by the beginning of the 1640s. Soon after, Sir William Berkeley became the Colony's 4th governor.

Grades 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-12
History-Social Science
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Judicial Review

John Marshall’s lifetime experience in the Virginia courts would lead him to establish Judicial Review on the federal level. Prominent Virginia Judges had already started to establish this American idea 20 years earlier.

Grades 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-12
History-Social Science
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Prologue by the Honorable E Leroy R. Hassell

The Honorable E Leroy R. Hassell opens the door for exploration into the history of the judicial system in Virginia.

Grades 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-12
History-Social Science
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Introduction to Judicial Independence

The court system is an ever-changing, evolving entity and there are key moments of history when Virginia’s people and its judiciary made their everlasting impressions on our country.

Grades 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-12
History-Social Science
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