CYBERSMART! LESSON PLAN - TELL IT TO THE JUDGE

Download the 'Tell it to the Judge' Student Activity Sheets (1&2) (PDF)

• Overview
  Students learn that computers and electronic files are property and explore the reasons for, consequences and ethics of teen hacking.

• Objectives
  • Identify computers and electronic files as property
  • Recognize unauthorized entering of computer systems as unethical and illegal
  • Describe the effects of hacking on all involved

• Introduce
  • Have students imagine that they have heard a rumor about "mischief night", in which young teens go out after dark to damage property.
  • Ask: What is wrong about this? Why might kids do it?

• Teach 1
  • Distribute Activity Sheet 1.
  • Have students read and complete the page individually or in small groups. NOTE: Postpone discussion until students have read and completed Activity Sheet 2.

• Teach 2
  • Distribute Activity Sheet 2 and have students read and discuss all except the activity.
  • Then have students revisit Activity Sheet 1 and make changes or additions.

• Teach 3
  • Conduct the activity on Activity Sheet 2. Explain that "peer court" is a way of keeping first-time juvenile offenders out of the juvenile justice system. It focuses less on the law and how teens broke it and more on the rights and wrongs of a person's actions. (Make sure students understand that teens who take this alternative route must first acknowledge that they broke the law.) Peer court roles are taken by volunteer high school students, except for that of the judge, who is a real judge. Members of the jury are permitted to question the defendants and others. Sentences cannot include jail time or fines, but may include writing assignments (such as letters of apology or research), restitution, attendance at workshops or counseling sessions, home restrictions as community service.
  • Make sure each student has a role in the mock peer court and then conduct the role play. Remind students to focus on the ethical decisions made by the defendants.