Sociology & You

Chapter 7: Deviance and Social Control

Web Activity Lesson Plans

"History of Juvenile Justice"

Introduction
In this chapter, students learned about different types and degrees of deviance as well as the methods society employs to control the social behavior of its people. One type of crime that has gained more and more attention in recent years is juvenile crime. Many people are concerned by the increase in juvenile delinquent behavior. Students will visit some Web sites to take a closer look at the history and background of the juvenile justice system.

Lesson Description
Students will visit different judicial Web sites. There they will read about the history of the juvenile justice system in the United States . After reviewing topics about the history of and trends in the juvenile justice system, students will compile arguments and research either for or against zero tolerance policies in schools to use in a class debate.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will be able to explain when and why separate juvenile courts were established in the United States .
2. Students will be able to summarize how attitudes toward juvenile offenders have changed in recent years.
3. Students will be able to synthesize information from the Web site with additional research to support a position on zero tolerance policies for a class debate.