Sleepy Lagoon Zoot Suit Trial
Grade Level:
Grades 6-12
Language:
English, Spanish
Format:
Presentation
Source:
Power of Democracy
OBJECTIVES
Students will:
- Describe the historical and social context of 1940s Los Angeles, including the discrimination faced by Mexican American youth and the cultural significance of the zoot suit.
- Trace the facts, trial, and conviction of the Sleepy Lagoon defendants in People v. Zammora (1942–1943), and identify the ways the trial process failed to protect the defendants' rights.
- Explain how public opinion and sensational media coverage can influence a legal proceeding, using the Sleepy Lagoon case and the Zoot Suit Riots as examples.
- Connect the case's reversal on appeal to the due process protections of the 14th Amendment and to the checks and balances among California's three branches of government.
This lesson is best for:
Classes covering civil rights history, due process, or the state court system.
PREP NEEDED
Judge should review case background beforehand.
LINKS
Note: Resources are hosted on the Courts Connected SharePoint Site.