Examines the developments in child abuse reporting laws and related legislation since the battered child syndrome was first identified in 1962. Discusses statistics and identifies areas in which legislative and judicial reform are necessary. Includes a list of American Bar Association publications dealing with child abuse and neglect. (GEA)

Describes two activities designed to introduce students in grades 5-9 to the topics of juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice. The first uses a continuum and ranking exercise to assess student positions on topics and the second uses case studies and a court role-playing exercise to present actual court litigation. (GEA)

Presents the opinions of nine professionals serving the justice system on the issue of providing representation in criminal and civil cases for those unable to pay for lawyers. Includes questions about the obligations of lawyers to provide counsel and the differences between legal representation in civil and criminal cases. (CFR)

Stresses the need for law-related education early in the curriculum. Identifies appreciation of an ordered society, understanding of the mainstream value system, awareness of legal concepts, and recognition of the legal processes as important goals of these courses. Calls for fostering a positive self-image in students. (KO)

Presents eight case studies of lawyers who work for legal aid societies or provide free legal services to poor people. Includes quotes by the attorneys describing specific cases and why they became involved in providing free legal counsel. (CFR)

Asserts that school violence is a major educational problem and reflects the increased violence in society. Examines responses by administrators and boards of education to school violence. Categorizes school policies regarding violence into deterrence, prevention, and treatment and discusses their effectiveness. (CFR)

Contends that the juvenile court system should be abolished because its paternalistic underpinnings fundamentally are inconsistent with children's rights. Asserts that current theories of human rights are tied to competency, which has been used historically to exclude women and minority groups from the category of rights holders. (CFR)

Asserts that the juvenile justice system was created to minimize the adult criminal system's harsh penalties. Discusses the juvenile classification procedure, treatment and punishment, and criteria for judges in the United States, Canada, France, and Japan. Concludes that the U.S. system would be more effective if it incorporated aspects of other…

Contends that teen courts offer powerful lessons in civic responsibility and that more than 150 are operating nationwide. Discusses establishment and educational strategies used in teen courts. Concludes that this law-related education program provides a creative solution to the delinquency dilemma. (CFR)

Asserts that providing poor people equal access to law is a worldwide problem. Identifies and discusses three systems of legal aid services in nations throughout the world. Includes a vocabulary chart and a special section on justice in South Africa. (CFR)

Maintains that schools must help children become adults in the most violent nation in the industrialized world. Discusses four types of youth violence: (1) situational; (2) relationship; (3) predatory; and (4) psychopathological. Concludes that schoolwide prevention programs are essential. (CFR)

Describes the early history of the juvenile court system and ties it to the reforms of the U.S. Progressive Era. Examines the arguments of those who call for the abolition of juvenile courts. Concludes that much of the criticism is misplaced and that efforts should be made to make juvenile courts work rather than abolish them. (CFR)

Describes the current state of juvenile criminal justice programs and the historical and legal precedents that created it. The current system rests on concepts of confidentiality, due process, and alternatives to jail. Many states are considering modifying aspects of these because of the increase in juvenile crime. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that teaches students to analyze the goals and effectiveness of the juvenile justice system. Instructional materials include handouts describing three criminal situations involving teenagers and copies of an article on the juvenile justice system. Activities include small group discussions followed by a class discussion.…

Discusses the development of adolescent peer groups, student cultures, school violence, and effective interventions. Contends that the likelihood of violence increases when mediation boards and peer counseling are unavailable or ineffective. Includes a bibliography of 12 teacher resources on school violence. (CFR)