Evaluating Public Policy

Here are a couple of questions for you…

What is the latest time at night that you have ever ridden a bike?

What is the latest time that you were out without a parent?

In a city in Florida…

A young man under the age of 17 was taken into police

custody for riding his bike at two in the

morning.

Why do you think he was arrested?

City OrdinanceThe city had passed an

ordinance on juvenile curfewWho qualifies as a “juvenile”?What is a “curfew”?

A juvenile refers to a youth; typically

defined as anyone under the age of 18.

A curfew is a restriction on

people’s movements,

restricting the right to be outdoors or in public places during

certain times of day.

What does a juvenile curfew do?

Juvenile curfew laws restrict the time juveniles can be outdoors or in public places in a specific geographic location

For example:

POSTEDNO JUVENILES ALLOWED

AT THE MOVIES PAST 9:00 P.M.

What’s the deal? Why do you think cities might have

juvenile curfew ordinances/laws?

Ordinance v. Law Ordinances impact those on a local level.

These result from needs of the specific community

These ordinances only apply to those in the city.

• Laws impact people on a state level • Laws impact

everyone in the state.

City Ordinance

State Law

Juvenile Curfew Ordinance

You are going to be handed Sections 14-26 of a real Juvenile Curfew Ordinance

In your group, review and analyze your assigned section of the ordinance.

In your group, create a visual presentation (illustrated poster) to teach the class about your section of the ordinance.

Public PolicyWhen is the best time to have an

impact on public policy – be it local or state?

BEFORE it becomes policy!

Where do policies come from?YOU, the constituent!

How do you impact public policy?City or county commission meetingsSchool Board meetings

A constituent is somebody living in an area where they are represented by

elected persons.

What kinds of issues are on the agenda?

What kinds of issues do you think are on the agenda for your city council? Budget

Funding for homeless shelters, community centers/parks, and animal shelters

Skateboarding in public areas Ordinances for pets – leash laws,

vaccinations, dog parks

Your Turn to Testify!

You will be divided into 6 groups and assigned a position on the juvenile curfew ordinance.

Your group will be testifying in front of the “city council” based on your assigned position.

You will be asking the city council for one of one of 3 things:1. Adopt the ordinance as it is written2. Amend the ordinance3. Dispose of the ordinance entirely

You will be assigned to one of the following groups and

positions on the topic of Juvenile Curfew:

Police officers AssociationWill present testimony in

support of the ordinance.

Businesses Against Crime

Will present testimony in support of the

ordinance with specific changes.

Community Watch Group

Will present testimony in

support of the ordinance.

In support of the ordinance:

In opposition to the ordinance:

Teens Against Curfews

Will present testimony

opposing the ordinance.

Parents Against Government

IntrusionWill present testimony

opposing the ordinance.

American Civil Liberties Union

Will present testimony citing

constitutional implications/violations

.

Working in your groups, develop your case for or

against the city ordinance about the juvenile curfew .You will be presenting in front of the “city council”, so be sure to:•Cite the ordinance•Make clear arguments for or against the ordinance •Be clear about whether you want to:

1. Adopt the ordinance as it is written2. Amend the ordinance3. Dispose of the ordinance entirely