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Crime, Criminal Law, and Crime Prevention Handouts CCL #1: "Some Facts About Crime" A crime is an act that breaks a law. People don't agree on what causes crime. Some people are more likely to be victims of crime than others. There are laws to protect your rights if you are arrested and are charged with committing a crime. Criminals, victims, and society all pay a heavy price for crime. Citizens have a responsibility to help prevent crime.
CCL #2: "Role Play" Situation: A jewelry store was robbed, and the robber got away. Two days later, the police arrested a suspect, based on a description provided by the store owner. Two police officers and the suspect are in an interrogation room at the police station. The police officers are questioning the suspect about his role in the robbery. They are trying to get him to confess. FIFTH, SIXTH, AND EIGHTH AMENDMENTS TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a present ment of indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger, nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law, nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. AMENDMENT VI In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtain ing witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence. AMENDMENT VIII Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
CCL #3: "Who Was Ernesto Miranda?" Ernesto Miranda was accused by an 18-year old girl of kidnapping and rape. He was arrested. The police questioned him for two hours, and he signed a confession. The confession was used as evidence against him in his trial, and he was found guilty. He later appealed his case and won. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that his rights were violated because he was not advised of his rights before he was questioned. Now, police officers are required to inform suspects of their rights under the law prior to questioning. These rights are sometimes referred to as the Miranda warnings. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. You have the right to a lawyer and to have him or her with you while you are being questioned. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you so desire.
CCL #4: "Rights of the Accused" If you are arrested and charged with a crime, you have the following rights: The right to know the charges against you. The right to have a lawyer appointed for you if you cannot afford to pay for one. The right to a trial by jury. The right to a speedy and public trial. The right to ask questions of witnesses against you. The right to freedom from self-incrimination.
CCL #5: "If You Are a Witness" You are a witness if you have seen or heard or know something about a crime. Most crimes cannot be solved without the help of a witness. If a witness or a victimwill not testify in court about what they have seen, there can be no court trial. THE CRIMINAL WILL GO FREE AND MAY FIND ANOTHER VICTIM. Someday you may yourself need a witness to come forward to assist you and tell all that he or she knows. But, if that witness is too busy or afraid, you may be a loser in the long run. People who refuse to volunteer as witnesses for others are injuring themselves.
CCL #6: "Selecting an Impartial Jury" Situation: A young, black, mother on welfare is charged with shoplifting. Which of the following juries would be most likely to be "impartial." A jury made up of young, black, mothers on welfare. A jury made up of wealthy, white businessmen. A jury made up of victims of shoplifting. A jury made up of young people. A jury made up of senior citizens. A jury made up of a random sample of members of the community where the accused lives.
CCL #7: "Not Everyone Can Be a Juror" The following individuals cannot serve on a jury. Why do you think this is the case? Any person who is less than 21 years of age. Any person who is not a citizen of the United States Any person who is not a resident of the county or city where the trial is taking place. Any person who has been convicted of a felony, unless such person has been restored to his [or her] civil rights. Any person unable to read, speak, and understand the English language. Any person on active duty in the armed forces of the United States. Any licensed lawyer. Any judge. Any person who is incapable of performing the duties of a juror because of mental or physical illness or disability. Others who may be excused upon request include: clergymen; any person who has served on a jury in the last year; any person whose absence from work would affect public safety, health, welfare, or interest; any person for whom serving would be an extreme hardship; medical doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors, dentists, or pharmacists; and police officers.
CCL #8: "Reducing the Risks of Crime" Follow these rules to reduce the risks of crime: Report suspicious activity to the police. The police can't help if you don't call them. Lock your doors and windows! Many burglaries occur because someone didn't lock up. Police suggest a deadbolt lock with a one-inch bolt on each outside door. Beware of high-crime areas. Dark and deserted streets, parking lots, garages, and bus stops are all high-crime areas. Whenever possible, have someone with you at night and in high-risk areas. Don't flash money in public. When on vacation, cancel the newspaper. Have a neighbor collect the mail. Consider using a timer to turn lights on at night. Women living alone should list only their last name and first initial on their mailbox and in the phone book. If you return to your home and think that someone has broken in, do not enter. Go to a neighbor's home immediately and call the police. If someone knocks while you are at home, do not open the door until you are absolutely sure who is outside.
Community Resource Lesson 1. Introduce yourself to the students, and explain your role as it relates to crime, criminal law, or crime prevention. 2. Tell students that you will be talking with them about ways in which they can reduce the risks of crime in their own lives. 3. Distribute CCL Activity Handout 8, "Reducing the Risks of Crime," and have students discuss the importance of each strategy. 4. Help students brainstorm other strategies for reducing the risk of crime. 5. Close the lesson by emphasizing the importance of individual actions and responsibility in reducing crime.
Family Involvement Activities Possible activities for family involvement include the following: 1. Have children discuss and/or role play the following simple crime prevention rules: If someone knocks on your door, don't open it. Go and get an adult. Never let a stranger into your house. Don't listen to strangers or go anywhere with them. If a stranger comes after you, scream as loud as you can and run away. If you see someone doing a bad thing, tell an adult right away. 2. Ask children to identify, discuss, and draw pictures of some of the ways police officers can help them and their neighbors stay safe from crime. |