NCJ Number
8682
Date Published
1971
Length
47 pages
Annotation
CASE STUDY OF AN AVERAGE CRIMINAL PROSECUTION FROM BEGINNING TO END, WITH EMPHASIS ON ISSUES INVOLVED IN ARREST, TRIAL, APPEAL, AND CONSTITUTIONAL LAW.
Abstract
THE HARVARD SOCIAL STUDIES PROJECT DESIGNED THIS BOOK ON THE RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED FOR USE IN HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES CLASSROOMS. AN ORDINARY BUSINESSMAN SKIDS ON AN ICY ROAD, KILLS A PEDESTRIAN, AND FINDS HIMSELF ACCUSED OF A CRIME. THE PERSPECTIVES OF THE POLICEMAN, THE PROSECUTOR, THE DEFENSE LAWYER, THE JUDGE, AND THE DEFENDANT ON THESE ISSUES ARE PRESENTED AS THE CASE PROGRESSES. THE STUDENT IS ASKED TO EVALUATE THE OPERATION OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM THROUGH THESE PERSPECTIVES IN A SERIES OF REVIEW QUESTIONS. THE QUESTIONS ARE BASED ON COMPETING POLICY ALTERNATIVES AND THEY HAVE NO FINAL 'RIGHT' OR 'WRONG' ANSWERS. THE QUESTIONS MUST BE ANSWERED BY BALANCING THE VALUE OF INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM WITH THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO SECURITY. THIS PAMPHLET COULD BE UTILIZED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN SCHOOL COMMUNITY RELATIONS PROGRAMS OR AS A BASIS FOR DESIGNING A SIMILAR TEXT. (SNI ABSTRACT)