Lesson Plan: The Juvenile System
Grade Level: 8
Duration: 50 minutes
Content Area: Social Studies / Civics
Depth of Knowledge Level: 2-3
Lesson Topic:
The Juvenile System: Beginning of A Juvenile System, The Juvenile Court
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Explain the historical context and significance of the juvenile justice system.
- Identify the structure and function of juvenile courts in the United States.
- Analyze the differences between the juvenile and adult justice systems.
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and screen
- Handouts on the juvenile justice system
- Video clip about the juvenile court process (5 minutes)
- Chart paper and markers (for group work)
Introduction (10 minutes)
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Engagement Activity:
Begin with a thought-provoking question: “What do you think happens when a young person breaks the law?”
- Allow a few students to share their thoughts.
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Objective Sharing:
Explain the objectives of the lesson and what students should expect to learn regarding the juvenile justice system.
Direct Instruction (20 minutes)
A. The Beginning of a Juvenile System (10 minutes)
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Historical Context:
- Discuss the origins of the juvenile justice system in the early 19th century, focusing on reform movements that emphasized rehabilitation over punishment.
- Mention key figures like Charles Loring Brace, who founded the Children’s Aid Society, and the establishment of the first juvenile court in Chicago.
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Key Differences:
- Explain how the juvenile system was created to address the needs of young offenders differently from adults, focusing on rehabilitation and societal reintegration.
B. The Juvenile Court (10 minutes)
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Structure of Juvenile Court:
- Discuss the basic structure, including juvenile judges, probation officers, and the roles of various court personnel.
- Explain the types of cases juvenile courts typically handle (delinquency, status offenses).
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Court Procedures:
- Outline the court process for juveniles, including intake, adjudication, and disposition.
- Emphasize the informal nature of juvenile court compared to adult court and the focus on confidentiality.
Video Clip (5 minutes)
- Show a 5-minute clip that illustrates a juvenile court hearing, emphasizing the roles of the various participants.
- After the video, engage students in a brief discussion about their observations.
Group Activity (10 minutes)
A. Case Study Analysis
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a different juvenile case scenario to review. Each group should:
- Identify the key issues related to the case.
- Discuss the potential outcomes based on state juvenile laws.
- Present their findings to the class.
B. Class Share-Out
Each group will spend 1-2 minutes sharing their case findings. Encourage questions and facilitate a brief class discussion after each presentation.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Wrap up the lesson by summarizing the key points discussed, focusing on the importance of understanding the juvenile justice system and its aim of rehabilitation.
- Pose the following reflective question: "How can understanding the juvenile system help us support young people in our communities?"
Assessment
- Exit slip: Have students write one thing they learned and one question they still have about the juvenile justice system.
Homework
Ask students to read an article about the current issues facing the juvenile justice system today and prepare to discuss it in the next class.
By structuring the lesson as outlined above, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the juvenile justice system and its significance within the broader context of society.