Equality before the law Innocent until proven guilty
Trial by a jury of your peers

Directions
Look at each of the three rights above and think about them for a moment. Are these new concepts to you? How do they function in our society? Are they part of every society across the world? Think back to the unit and consider which of these laws may have roots in ancient cultures and religions, especially, the Mosaic law, Christian thought, and Greek and Roman governments. Take one at a time and trace its origin. Where was each concept derived from, and how has it changed over time? How might this particular idea have been different from ideas in other cultures? How would it have changed the way that people functioned in society? In a comprehensive essay, write about each of the rights above, analyzing origins, ancient cultural impact, and how they have evolved to be so fundamental in our present time.