TITLE: THE SENTENCING ACTIVITY
AUTHOR: Bruce D. Berst, Natrona County High School,
Casper, WY
GRADE LEVEL: 8-11
I've used this successfully in grades 8-11. It could
probably also be used at a higher, as well as a lower grade.
OVERVIEW: After a rather extensive look at the criminal
justice system, this is a rather fun activity. Teachers
need to obtain the minimum/maximum guidelines for the crimes
you will be using.
PURPOSE: This lesson is to convey to students that a
judge's job is not cut and dried, that many variables are
present when a judge must pass a sentence.
OBJECTIVE(s): to give students experience in looking at
those variables present when a criminal must be dealt with.
Also, comparisons will be made between genders as not all
crimes are viewed equally by both genders. Comparisons can
also be made to see how consistent or inconsistent a number
of judges can be in dealing with the same crime or criminal.
MATERIALS: l0 5x7 cards, a gavel, and minimum/maximum
guidelines on a variety of crimes, both state and federal.
SENTENCING GAME
Activity: Criminal has pled guilty to a crime. Judge and
class determines sentence.
After a rather comprehensive look at our criminal justice
system through a variety of means, fill out 5x7 cards with
made-up crimes, previous arrests and outcomes. Example:
Daniel Delinquent
Age 17
Previous Arrests: Age 11 - truancy - probation
Age 12 - runaway - probation
Age 13 - shoplifting - probation
Age 15 - breaking & entering - 1 year
boy's school
Age 16 - receiving stolen goods - 1
year probation
Age 17 - driving a stolen car
Pick 2 members (a boy and a girl) to be judge. Isolate one
of them while one does sentencing. Rest of class makes
suggestions to the judge. They have general guidelines for
minimum and maximum which can be obtained from state codes.
Then bring in the other judge.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: At the end, compare sentencing which
will lead to discussion about why sexes view crimes
differently (some won't differ), preference for male or
female judge and why, etc. Be sure to include crimes such
as murder, rape, prostitution, drug abuse, selling drugs to
kids. Your imagination is your limit. About 10 are needed
for a 1 hour period. Comparisons can also be made between
classes if several of the same are taught throughout the
day.
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