Current Programs
Youth Justice Curriculum
Young people are exposed to crime and the criminal justice system every day through the media and through their personal experiences. Youth Justice in America addresses this interest and draws a broad range of high school students into a lively constitutional conversation about crime and the U.S. juvenile justice system. Youth Justice in America combines expert commentary with material selected from actual federal and state criminal law cases as it explores tough, important questions, such as: What is a crime? How can order be enforced without sacrificing constitutional liberties and civil rights? Should juvenile offenders be treated differently from adult offenders? What are the aims of criminal punishment?
Youth Justice in America focuses on issues and cases that relate to the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution (including search and seizure, self-incrimination, the right to counsel, cruel and unusual punishment, and the Supreme Court's rulings on the death penalty for juveniles). The authors (Maryam Ahranjani, Andrew G. Ferguson, and Jamin B. Raskin) bring the subject matter to life with a unique blend of content including selections from key cases that affect students, easy-to-understand definitions of important terms and concepts, boxed figures that encourage further thought and discussion, engaging photos, individual and class exercises and simulations, and age-appropriate suggestions for further reading.
Get a complimentary copy of Youth Justice in America
If you contribute $125 or more to The Civic Education Project, we will send you a complimentary copy of Youth Justice in America, 1st ed. (2006) ($28 value). The book can also be purchased through online booksellers, or directly through the publisher, CQ Press.