From School Library Journal
Gr 6 Up-Jacobs looks at court decisions concerning issues such as sexual harassment at school and/or work, the legality of dress codes, drug testing for athletes, freedom of expression at school, censoring the school newspaper, school prayer, and the use of the death penalty for teens. He begins by giving readers basic facts to understand these issues better, including information about how the Supreme Court works, facts about the United States Constitution, and how to do legal research. The body of the book consists of 21 issues or legal cases involving young people, each of which begins with a presentation of the facts in the case much as they would be heard by the judge and/or the jury. A set of thought-provoking questions then prompts readers to be the judge. The outcome follows unless the disposition of the case is unresolved. The author then cites several related cases and provides topics for discussion and other activities. A common component in these cases, according to Jacobs, is that the person involved has not only questioned the fairness of the law, but has also had the courage to take his concerns into the courtroom. Legalese has been kept to a minimum. A solid and useful addition.-Sylvia V. Meisner, Allen Middle School, Greensboro, NC
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
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