Described is a jury trial involving intermediate grade students as defendants, lawyers, and jury, with an adult as judge. It is suggested that it is important to deal with serious offenses at school in a democratic way that involves students in decision making. (KC)

Kids learn self-government with a little help from their furry friends. (Editor)

In the January 1980 issue of "Teacher," the author proposed handling discipline problems through classroom trials. In this column, he expands on that scenario in response to critics worried about the civil rights of the child on trial, guarantees of fairness, and the role of the defendant's parents. (SJL)