• Class: Primary 5
  • Term: 2nd Term
  • Week: 9
  • Age: 10 years
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Subject: National Values Education
  • Curriculum Theme: Civic Education
  • Previous Lesson: Functions of the Legislative Arm of Government
  • Topic: Functions and Examples of the Judiciary
  • Content: Courts, Judges, Magistrates, etc

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  • Cognitive Domain: Define the judiciary and list five functions of the judiciary.
  • Affective Domain: Explain the importance of justice in society.
  • Psychomotor Domain: Identify examples of judiciary institutions in Nigeria on a chart.
  • Social Domain: Demonstrate cooperation by working in groups to discuss the roles of the judiciary.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:


Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • A chart showing judiciary institutions in Nigeria
  • A picture of a courtroom setup
  • Flashcards with key terms (e.g., “justice,” “court,” “judge”)
  • A whiteboard and marker

Rationale for the Lesson

The judiciary plays a crucial role in ensuring justice and maintaining law and order in society. Understanding its functions helps pupils appreciate its importance in promoting fairness and equality.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils already know about the legislative arm of government and how laws are made. They understand the need for fairness and rules in daily life.


Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Content DevelopmentTimeTeaching MethodTeaching StrategyTeacher’s ActivityPupils’ ActivityLearning Point
Step 1: Introduction5 minsSet inductionQuestion and answerAsk pupils questions about what they know about courts.Respond to questions enthusiastically. recall prior knowledge.
Step 2: Explanation10 minsInteractive lectureVisual aidsExplain the judiciary’s role using charts and flashcards.Listen actively and ask questions.Understanding the role of the judiciary.
Step 3: Examples10 minsDemonstrationGroup workShow pictures of courts, judges, and magistrates. Discuss examples.Work in groups to identify judiciary institutions.Examples of judiciary institutions.
Step 4: Note Taking5 minsGuided discussionStructured writingGuide pupils to write the short note provided.Write down the key points in their notebooks.Key points are recorded.
Step 5: Evaluation5 minsQuestioningIndividual participationAsk pupils questions to evaluate their understanding.Answer questions individually.comprehension is assessed.
Step 6: Conclusion3 minsSummaryRecapSummarize the lesson and reinforce key points.Listen and ask final questions for clarification. recall main ideas.

Lesson Content

Functions and Examples of the Judiciary

The judiciary is the arm of government responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring justice in the society. It ensures that everyone is treated fairly under the law.

Functions of the Judiciary

  1. Interprets the laws made by the legislature.
  2. Resolves disputes between individuals, groups, and the government.
  3. Protects the rights and freedoms of citizens.
  4. Punishes those who break the law.
  5. Ensures that government actions are lawful.

Examples of the Judiciary in Nigeria

  1. The Supreme Court of Nigeria.
  2. The Court of Appeal.
  3. The Federal High Court.
  4. The Magistrate Court.
  5. Customary Courts.

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

  1. Define the judiciary.
  2. Mention three functions of the judiciary.
  3. List two examples of judiciary institutions in Nigeria.
  4. Explain why the judiciary is important in society.

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan

Encourage active participation by using relatable examples. Use visual aids to help pupils understand the topic better. Adjust the pace to ensure all pupils follow along. Happy teaching!

Last Update: January 17, 2025