Teaching Youth Justice

Rationale
In order for students to gain an appreciation of what takes place in Youth Justice Court, this lesson will introduce the Court’s personnel and
procedures.

Procedure
1. As a class, brainstorm what is known about courts and trials. Portrayals in fiction, the news, and/or personal experience may be some sources to draw upon. This list will be returned to at the lesson’s close.

2. As a class, lead group reading of Youth Justice Court: An Overview.
KEY QUESTIONS:

• Why must a Judge be impartial?
• Why do Judges only make their decisions after all the evidence is heard?
• Why is the accused presumed innocent?
• Why is it important that if an accused is convicted, Judges have some discretion in what their sentence will be?

3. To understand the roles of court officials, break students into groups to review Youth Justice Court Personnel. As a summary, students can play “Who Am I?” to identify each official.

4. Review original brainstorming session as a class, using the following questions to guide learning:

• What did you know about courts and trials that was true?
• Were any misconceptions about courts and trials cleared up?
• What do you still want to learn about courts and trials?