Juvenile Justice

Expository Reading and Writing Unit

Activity 1: Quick Write

Quick Write: If you or someone you know committed a crime, do you think you should be punished the same way as an adult who committed the same crime?

Activity 2: Introducing Key Concepts

Adult

•age

Juvenile

•age

Child

•age

What characteristics make a person an adult, a juvenile, or a child?

With your partner, brainstorm a list of qualities that characterize or describe each. (Have at least 6 in each)

Definitions of Legal TermsLook at the legal terms provided on

page 47.

Study them and define them in your own words.

With a partner, explain the differences between each term.

First-Degree MurderThis charge applies in cases where the victim's death was

premeditated, meaning that it was planned out beforehand or in cases where another vicious crime is

taking place. 

Example 1: A man who walks out of a grocery store annoyed with the level of service he received is guilty of first degree murder if he then goes home, pawns his watch for a gun, and then figures out the clerk's schedule before going to the grocery store to shoot the clerk that upset him. Because he intentionally planned out his attack and thought everything out in advance, he can faces charges in the first degree.

Example 2: Ron and a group of armed men are attempting to rob a bank and hold everyone hostage. The security guard attacks him and Ron shoots and kills the security guard. He may be tried and convicted under first- degree murder charges due to the killing being done during another vicious crime.

Second-Degree MurderThis term applies when the death in question

was intentional but not premeditated. There is a disregard for human life.

Example: John’s daughter was raped by an intruder. One week later, John saw the rapist walking on one busy city street. John pulls out a gun and fires a full round at the rapist and kills him.

Example 2: Adam and Bill are neighbors, and lately they've been having disagreements over the fence between their properties. Adam pays Bill a visit to discuss the matter, but gets angry in the process. He sees a rifle gun hanging on Bill’s wall. He grabs it and shoots Bills and he dies.

Involuntary Manslaughter

Involuntary manslaughter usually refers to an unintentional killing that results from recklessness

or criminal negligence, or from an unlawful act that is a misdemeanor or low-level felony.

For example, Dan comes home to find his wife in bed with Victor. Distraught, Dan heads to a local bar to drown his sorrows. After having five drinks, Dan jumps into his car and drives down the street at twice the posted speed limit, accidentally hitting and killing a pedestrian.

For example, if the operator of a dangerous carnival ride recklessly fails to ensure that all passengers are strapped in and people die as a result, a prosecutor may decide to bring involuntary manslaughter charges against the operator.

Voluntary ManslaughterVoluntary manslaughter is the killing of

a human being in which the offender had no prior intent to kill and acted during "the heat of passion.”

1. An example is if a person kills a passer-by he mistakes for a threatening mugger.

2. For example, if a man came home from work and found his wife in bed with another man, he may decide on the spot to kill that man.

Matching ActivityRead the situations on pg 48. Based off

of your understanding of the legal terms you went over, match the scenario with the appropriate conviction that was implemented.

You will only use each term once. Be prepared to explain why it’s the best answer.

Activity 3: Introducing Key VocabularyVocabulary word (part of speech)

Definition in your own words: _________

Use the word in a sentence:___________

constitutionality

plummeting

prosecutors

culpability

demeanor

mitigating

remorse

alienated

nonchalant

Activity 3: Introducing Key Vocabulary“Supreme Court to

Rule on Executing Young Killers” “Kids are Kids”

inconsistency

quandary

heinous

coddling

perpetuated