This school year, Gotham Avenue School’s fifth and sixth grade students participated in the Constitution Works Club, an engaging new opportunity to explore the foundations of American law and government. The club culminated in an exciting visit to the Federal Bankruptcy Court in Brooklyn, where students argued a constitutional law case in an authentic courtroom environment.

Throughout the year, club members assumed the roles of attorneys and Supreme Court justices. Working collaboratively in teams, they examined landmark Supreme Court decisions and constitutional principles, using their research to craft and deliver persuasive oral arguments.

The students tackled a complex constitutional question: Should freedom of the press, protected by the First Amendment, take precedence over the government’s duty to safeguard national security. One student passionately argued, “Would you rather prioritize your freedom of speech over safety?” while another emphasized the significance of constitutional rights, noting that “even though freedom of the press can be abused, it is still an important right.” Students strengthened their arguments by citing real Supreme Court cases, including Justice Holmes’ well-known principle that speech posing a “clear and present danger” may be limited when public safety is at risk.

During the mock court proceedings, student-attorneys presented their cases while a panel of five student-justices questioned them about constitutional law, Supreme Court precedents, and whether freedom of the press is absolute. 

After the courtroom experience, the student justices returned to the school to deliberate and reach a verdict. Following thoughtful discussion, they unanimously ruled that the newspaper’s First Amendment right to freedom of the press should be protected.

The club was met with tremendous enthusiasm from students, and the school looks forward to offering it again next year. The initiative was introduced by sixth grade teacher Lindsey Bascetta.