Constitutional Rights Foundation
Criminal Justice in America
The allure of true crime television shows often leads to intrigue of the criminal justice system. Using a six-unit curriculum, learners explore criminology and the justice system in the United States. Topics include the police, trial...
Judicial Learning Center
Getting Ready for Trial
A courtroom can be a scary place for the uninitiated. Get familiar with the process using a helpful overview of the activities that take place prior to both civil and criminal cases. The lesson explains the differences between...
Curated OER
On Trial - Juvenile or Adult?
Students compare and contrast juvenile and adult courts in the United States. In this judicial system instructional activity, students read and discuss articles and statistics in order to determine why juveniles may be tried as adults...
Curated OER
Introduction to Juvenile Delinquency
Students discuss cases in which juveniles were convicted of horrific crimes. They answer questions in which there are no right or wrong answers related to juvenile delinquency.
Utah State Courts
Judges in the Classroom
Class members explore the process of a disposition hearing for juveniles, particularly looking at how the judge decides what sentence the juvenile offender should receive. Task your pupils with evaluating different sample cases provided...
Curated OER
Teens on Trial
Students read about the public reaction to the conviction of Alex and Derek King, and explore the issue of child offenders being tried and sentenced as adults. They compose letters to Florida Governor Jeb Bush, outlining their opinion on...
Curated OER
Juvenile Justice-Adjudicatory Hearing
Students list the role of the prosecutor and the role of defense counsel. They state the elements of robbery and defense of compulsion. Students conduct a mock hearing, following the sequence of steps in an adjudicatory hearing and...
Curated OER
Law 12 or First Nations Studies
Students examine issues related to Aboriginal youth in Canada. They analyze the Juvenile Justice Act, discuss the pros and cons of Aboriginal people having their own justice system, and prepare and participate in a mock trial.
Curated OER
Allen's Dilemma
Students read, discuss and act out an actual case study dealing with a juvenile crime. They complete discussion questions associated with case study.
Curated OER
Domestic Abuse and Order For Protection
Learners read an article about the laws pertaining to cases of domestic abuse. They take a quiz, consider how they might help a friend involved in an abusive situation and participate in a mock trial where they examine varying points of...
PBS
Pbs: Frontline: Juvenile Justice
Read case profiles of several juvenile criminals, many who have been tried as adults. Includes personal background information on each individual, and a discussion of their sentencing.
Other
Streetlaw: Criminal Law and Juvenile Justice
The chapters of this unit on criminal law and juvenile justice are as follows: "Crime in America," "Introduction to Criminal Law," "Crimes Against the Person," "Crimes Against Property," "Defenses," and "The Criminal Justice Process: The...
Digital History
Digital History: Leopold and Loeb
A fascinating look at the crime perpetrated by teens, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb and their subsequent trial and punishment. These two young men were defended by famous trial lawyer, Clarence Darrow. Read about his defense and the...
CNN
Cnn: Opinion: Kids Should Never Be Tried as Adults
In this editorial, the author outlines the case for why minors who commit crimes should not be tried as adults. Includes examples, including that of a 9 year old tried in the adult justice system.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: u.s. Supreme Court: In Re Gault (1967)
Full court transcript of 1967 U.S. Supreme Court case involving a juvenile, Gerald Gault.