Recent Supreme Court decisions are discussed. Included are cases dealing with the powers of police to make arrests and conduct searches without first obtaining warrants, criminal law and procedure, equal rights for women, prison conditions, nuclear power plans, and the tax-exempt status of private schools. (RM)

Evaluates the juvenile justice system focusing on the barriers children encounter when seeking appropriate counsel and the quality of representation. Includes an assessment of the appointment of counsel, pretrial preparation and trial performance, post-trial maneuvers, and appeals. Finds that the most common obstacle is the overwhelming caseloads…

This narrative describes the case of Richard Lapointe, a man with Dandy-Walker syndrome (a congenital brain malformation resulting in a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the skull), who was accused of homicide. The questionable practices of the police in acquiring a confession are recounted. The narrative discusses the court appeals process and…

Describes the current state of juvenile criminal justice programs and the historical and legal precedents that created it. The current system rests on concepts of confidentiality, due process, and alternatives to jail. Many states are considering modifying aspects of these because of the increase in juvenile crime. (MJP)

Outlines the dramatic changes in the laws covering drug activity over the last 20 years. Federal sentencing guidelines now mandate much longer prison terms depending on the drug and type of activity. Simultaneously, courts have expanded legal definitions and approaches involving prosecution. Discusses the controversy over these developments. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that requires students to analyze an upcoming Supreme Court case concerning the constitutional rights of a convicted offender. Student handouts include a case study worksheet and an overview of the case. Students complete the worksheet, conduct small group discussions, and arrive at their own decisions. (MJP)

Reviews the protections afforded by the Constitution for defendants in criminal trials. These include the right to a jury trial (in cases of possible incarceration), an impartial jury, and the requirement of a unanimous verdict. Defends the use of plea bargaining as essential to an efficient criminal justice system. (MJP)

Reviews the creation and accomplishments of the 1984 Comprehensive Crime Control Act. The legislation established the United States Sentencing Commission that works to eliminate unwarranted disparities in sentencing and has abolished parole at the federal level. Discusses how the guidelines work. (MJP)

Discusses the institutional mission and characteristics of local, state, and federal corrections facilities. Reviews the rights of prisoners and considers the interlocking components of a successful rehabilitation effort. Reports on future correctional issues such as in-house substance abuse programs and the aging of the prison population. (MJP)

Presents the history and activities of the Legal Aid Society of New York City, the largest and oldest provider of legal assistance for poor people in the United States. Presents a timeline of the society and suggested instructional activities. Provides an annotated list of six resource organizations. (CFR)

Focusing on current United States Supreme Court decisions affecting the searching of students in school, this report also briefly examines the evolution of the right to education and student freedom of speech. Regarding search and seizure, since 1985 the Court has maintained that school officials are not exempt from the restrictions of the Fourth…