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This lesson introduces students to the basics of copyright law and how it applies to music, specifically cover songs. Using the case study of Luke Combs’ 2023 cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” students will examine how copyright laws protect original creators while also allowing new artists to perform and reinterpret existing works.
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This lesson introduces students to the legal concept of defamation and the challenge of distinguishing between opinion and false factual claims. Using the high-profile case of Depp v. Heard, students will explore how courts interpret statements, analyze a real-world example, and debate questions about free speech and reputation. Strategies include teacher-led reading, small-group analysis, and whole-class discussion.
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Non-Disclosure Agreements generally are used to protect confidential information in business settings, but they also can be used in more personal settings. This lesson introduces students to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) through the high-profile breakup of country music star Zach Bryan and podcast host Brianna LaPaglia. Students will explore NDAs as legal tools, weighing their benefits (privacy, protection) against concerns (silencing, abuse of power).
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This lesson uses the story of Michael Jackson’s patented “anti-gravity shoes” to introduce students to intellectual property, innovation, and the role of government in protecting creative ideas. Students will explore why patents exist, what makes an invention patentable, and how legal systems shape innovation in society. The lesson blends pop culture with civics, economics, and law to engage high school students in understanding both the process and implications of patent law.
