A Jury of Her Peers

Is there ever a time when it is justifiable to break the law? When morals come into conflict with the law, how should a person respond? What might their decision-making process entail?

Teaching Suggestion: This question is at the heart of “A Jury of Her Peers” and forces students to grapple with the theme of The Law Versus Justice. Students may be tempted to come up with fantastical situations in which breaking the law is rational, so you may want to steer them toward realistic situations involving the protection of friends or family members. 

Differentiation Suggestion: English language learners may benefit from sentence starters and frames to help them prepare to share their ideas. Examples include: Breaking the law may be justified if __________. For example, __________ could happen, requiring a person to __________.