A modern-day movement is transforming the way that communities and justice systems think about and respond to crime and wrongful occurrences. This response implements a holistic continuum of services, providing for prevention, intervention, diversion, commitment, probation, reentry, and aftercare. This approach--known as restorative justice--seeks…

Presents a curriculum program designed to dramatize the trial experience. Utilizes the fairytale "Little Red Riding Hood" to present the facts of a criminal case. Outlines the mock trial, rules of evidence, criminal code, and facts of the case. Suggests that classroom experience be enhanced with field trips to a real court. (DK)

The expertise of special educators can aid in providing justice for criminal defendants with mental retardation in such areas as identification of mental retardation, evaluations and habilitation concerning competence to stand trial or enter plea agreements, and provision of services to defendants in corrections programs. (Author/DB)

Presents a lesson plan calling upon students to consider U.S. law from a cross-cultural perspective. Explains that students participate in a mock hearing involving a culturally based defense to a charge of murder. Includes student handouts, arguments for and against the defense, objectives, and procedures. (SG)

Explores how a defendant can face a civil action and criminal prosecution for the same act without violating the principle of double jeopardy. For instance, burning down a house can engender criminal prosecution charges and a civil suit from the insurance company. Double jeopardy only applies to criminal actions. (MJP)

A way is described to expose first-year law students to a whole case and thus to blend in appellate decisions, statutes, and scholarly articles as they might be discovered and used by the parties and the court. (MLW)

Course outlines and timelines for a junior high school elective, "Youth and the Law," and a senior high school elective, "Criminal and Civil Law," are provided. A sample brochure about a supplementary television series for the junior high course is also included. (SR)

Uses five unusual indifference curve exercises to show how changing the jail sentence and changing the reward for good behavior can influence the crime rate. Recommends eliminating minimum sentencing while raising sentencing and increasing the rewards for good behavior. Includes illustrative graphs for each exercise. (MJP)

Presents a lesson on American Indian tribal sovereignty. Discusses the concept of sovereignty as it developed in the United States. Describes three Supreme Court decisions that established (1) Indian tribes were sovereign before European contact and (2) some sovereign powers were restricted after the United States was established. Includes a chart…

Involves upper elementary students in a problem-solving activity that raises questions about who should have the right to a lawyer in a criminal case. Students discuss the importance of the right to due process in a criminal proceeding as well as in other situations. Defines due process and includes a handout on protections in the Bill of Rights.…

Discusses fictional media portrayals of crimefighting, such as Superman and Dick Tracy programs, that often constitute civil rights violations. Describes a learning activity that calls upon students to observe and log such portrayals and evaluate them critically. Suggests sources of program materials and lists other activities on the topic. (SG)

A new course of clinical education at the University of Mississippi is described. A member of the teaching faculty was appointed under the Criminal Justice Act to represent indigent defendants with the assistance of student interns. Goals for the future and possible implementation at other law schools are discussed. (MLW)

Presents the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution. Provides teaching suggestions, a review quiz, and includes the five points of the Miranda Warning. (CFR)

Presents the opinions of nine professionals serving the justice system on the issue of providing representation in criminal and civil cases for those unable to pay for lawyers. Includes questions about the obligations of lawyers to provide counsel and the differences between legal representation in civil and criminal cases. (CFR)

Identifies and discusses sections of the U.S. Constitution that support the provision of legal aid to poor people. Reviews Supreme Court cases that deal with this topic. Includes five suggested learning activities and a vocabulary list. (CFR)