1. 15 & Criminal 2 Debate Teams Corps of Journalists
Each time a new student must speak on behalf of the group.
Corps of Journalists
Ask relevant questions of both sides
I created 15 & Criminal to use in the Juvenile Justice topic but it will also work well with: Ethics & Professionalism, Community Diversity, Community Policing, or Civil Liability & Use of Force.
Create two debate groups. One will argue for rehabilitation and release of the juvenile defendant. The other will argue why the juvenile should be incarcerated in a detention facility. Once the groups receive the information give them a few minutes to prepare their opening arguments. Have one student from the prosecution go first with a short opening. Allow the opposite group a chance to rebut the statement. Each time a new student must speak on behalf of their group. The remaining students should be feeding them information on what to say. After the first scenario, switch the groups so they can debate both sides of the issue. Here are the juvenile cases. Have them argue whether the juvenile should be incarcerated, receive counseling, boot camp, placed in foster care, or released. What is the likelihood they will repeat the crime? What effect will it have on their family and the victim? Will placing them in detention with other criminals have a positive or negative outcome?

2. 15 & Criminal
Argue whether the juvenile should be incarcerated, receive counseling, boot camp, placed in foster care, released, etc.
What is the likelihood they will repeat the crime?
What effect will it have on their family and the victim?
Will placing them in detention with other criminals have a positive or negative outcome?

3. 15 & Criminal
15 year old girl steals her aunt’s car and goes for a joy ride with her best friend. She crashes the car but no one is injured. She has no criminal record and the aunt’s insurance is paying for the damages. The juvenile is remorseful for her actions. Her aunt doesn’t want any type of action taken against her niece.

4. 15 & Criminal
15 year old boy steals his neighbor’s bicycle that is valued at $1, He has no criminal record and is cooperative with the officers.

5. 15 & Criminal
15 year old female gang banger broke into a local convenience store at night stealing food and cash. She has a criminal record for theft and vandalism. She is not cooperative with the police.

6. 15 & Criminal
15 year old boy hit his mother in the face when she took away his Xbox. Her lip was bloody but no serious injuries. He has no criminal record but has been disciplined multiple times at school for disorderly behavior. He resists the police officers when they take him into custody.

7. 15 & Criminal
15 year old boy molested his 4 year old niece. There was suspicion that he was molested as a child, but the investigation was unfounded. He is uncooperative with the police and states they never helped him when he needed it. The niece’s parents want the boy to go to prison forever. She is traumatized by the experience and requires psychological and medical help.

8. 15 & Criminal Which case was hardest to argue for or against?
Which side would you really be on in each case?
Would it be different if it was your child?
15 & Criminal
Students will find that there are two sides to these types of stories. There are reasons for and against all facets of the juvenile justice system. Ask them which case was hardest for them to argue for or against. Why? Students will understand these dilemmas better when they have to fight for them. When they are done ask what side they would really be on, and why. Ask them if they would make the same decisions if it were their child involved?
More activities are available in the Police Instructor handbook from LEOtrainer.com