The Sleepy Lagoon "Zoot Suit" Trial

8-12

The Sleepy Lagoon case was one of the major civil rights cases of the 1940's. This lesson is rich with historical and cultural references. Be careful not to spend too much time on the history building up to the "Zoot Suit Riots" of 1943. There's much the class can learn by reviewing the prep materials before you meet.

Students will learn about Latino culture in the 1940’s, including the distinctive Zoot Suit attire worn by youths by:

-- examining the Sleepy Lagoon murder trial, where 22 young men were tried and 12 were convicted in what is widely considered a travesty of justice and rush to judgment

-- discussing the social and cultural tensions leading up to the Zoot Suit riots, and civil disturbances that followed

--better understand the 14th Amendment right to due process, the state court system, the three branches of government, and the role of a judge.

Materials for Download:

Regional Interest:

Los Angeles

TAGS:

Commemoration, Constitutional Rights, 14th Amendment, Ethnic Studies, Hispanic Heritage