Civic Education SS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 5

Topic: The Meaning of the Scale, The Sword, and The Blindfold in the Nigerian Justice System

Lesson Details

Subject: Civic Education
Class: SS 2
Term: Second Term
Week: 5
Age: 14 – 17 years
Duration: 40 Minutes
Topic: The Meaning of the Scale, The Sword, and The Blindfold in the Nigerian Justice System
Sub-topic: Symbols of Justice and Their Meanings

Behavioral Objectives

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

Identify and explain the symbols of justice in Nigeria.
State the importance of each symbol in the justice system.
Describe how the symbols reflect fairness and the rule of law.
Discuss the role of the judiciary in upholding justice.

Keywords

Justice – The principle of fairness and legal impartiality.
Scale – A symbol representing balance and fairness in judgment.
Sword – A symbol of authority and enforcement of the law.
Blindfold – A representation of impartiality in delivering justice.
Judiciary – The system of courts and judges responsible for justice.

Set Induction

The teacher asks students:

Have you ever seen a statue of a blindfolded woman holding a scale and a sword?
What do you think each of these objects represents?
How important is justice in a country like Nigeria?

This discussion will introduce the lesson and engage students’ curiosity.

Entry Behavior

Students have basic knowledge of fairness, law, and order from previous civic education lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials

Picture of Lady Justice holding the scale, sword, and blindfold.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
A short video or documentary on the Nigerian judiciary.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have learned about the rule of law and the importance of justice in previous lessons. This topic will help them understand the symbols used in the justice system and their significance.

Embedded Core Skills

Critical thinking
Communication skills
Civic awareness
Leadership and responsibility

Reference Books

Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools by Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Instructional Materials

Whiteboard and markers
Charts showing the symbols of justice
Audio-visual resources on the judiciary

Lesson Content

Meaning of the Symbols in the Nigerian Justice System

The Nigerian justice system, like many others in the world, uses three key symbols to represent fairness, impartiality, and enforcement. These symbols are:

1. The Scale (Balance and Fairness)

The scale represents balance and fairness in justice. It signifies that:

All cases must be weighed and judged based on merit.
Evidence and facts must be examined before making a judgment.
Justice must be given equally, without favoritism.

Example: If two people bring a case to court, the judge listens to both sides and examines the evidence before making a fair decision.

2. The Sword (Authority and Enforcement)

The sword symbolizes the power and authority of the law. It shows that:

The justice system has the authority to punish those who break the law.
The law is supreme and must be respected.
Justice is not just about fairness but also about enforcing decisions.

Example: If a person is found guilty of a crime, they are punished according to the law.

3. The Blindfold (Impartiality and Objectivity)

The blindfold represents impartiality, meaning that:

Justice is served without bias or discrimination.
A judge should not be influenced by personal feelings, wealth, or status.
Everyone is equal before the law.

Example: Whether a person is rich or poor, they should receive the same treatment under the law.

Importance of These Symbols in the Nigerian Justice System

Ensures Fairness – The scale ensures that justice is balanced and fair.
Maintains Law and Order – The sword ensures that laws are enforced.
Prevents Corruption – The blindfold ensures that judgments are based on facts, not personal interests.
Builds Public Trust – When people see justice being done fairly, they trust the legal system.

Evaluation Questions (Multiple Choice)

Choose the correct answer from the options provided.

What does the scale in the Nigerian justice system represent?
a) Strength
b) Fairness
c) Corruption
d) Power
The sword in the justice system symbolizes ___.
a) Mercy
b) Authority and enforcement
c) Weakness
d) Kindness
Why is Lady Justice blindfolded?
a) To show that she cannot see crimes
b) To prove that judges do not have eyes
c) To symbolize impartiality in judgment
d) To prevent her from reading court documents
Which of these is NOT a symbol of justice?
a) Scale
b) Sword
c) Hammer
d) Blindfold
The judiciary in Nigeria is responsible for ___.
a) Making laws
b) Enforcing laws
c) Interpreting laws
d) Disobeying laws
The rule of law means ___.
a) Some people are above the law
b) Everyone is equal before the law
c) Judges must favor the rich
d) Only politicians obey the law
The sword represents ___.
a) Mercy
b) Weakness
c) Strength and enforcement
d) Peace
What is the role of the judiciary?
a) Making laws
b) Interpreting and enforcing laws
c) Protecting criminals
d) Opposing the government
Impartiality in justice means ___.
a) Judging people based on personal relationships
b) Favoring the rich
c) Treating all people equally under the law
d) Ignoring evidence
The Nigerian Constitution ensures that ___.
a) Only politicians receive justice
b) Justice is fair and equal for all
c) Courts do not have power
d) Laws are made without public approval

Class Activity Discussion

Why do courts use the scale, sword, and blindfold as symbols?
What happens when a judge is not impartial?
How does the Nigerian judiciary ensure fairness in judgments?
Why is the sword important in the justice system?
How can corruption in the judiciary be reduced?

Presentation Steps

Introduction: Teacher explains the topic and asks students about their understanding of justice.
Explanation: Teacher describes each symbol and its meaning.
Class Participation: Students discuss real-life examples of justice and fairness.
Assessment: Students answer evaluation questions.
Conclusion: Teacher summarizes key points and assigns further reading.

Assessment (Short Answer Questions)

What does the scale in the justice system represent?
Explain the meaning of the blindfold in the justice system.
What is the role of the sword in justice?
Why is fairness important in the legal system?
How does the judiciary help maintain law and order?

Conclusion

The teacher marks students’ work, provides feedback, and encourages them to observe how justice is applied in real-life situations.