2009 BILL OF RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM - CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
WORKSHOP DETAILS:
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Clock Hours: 7
Intended Audience: Secondary teachers
Fee: $65; includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, along with materials and resources
This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Center for Civic Education.
"Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."
Mention the 8th Amendment and most people think of the death penalty. But the 8th Amendment also protects us from other “cruel and unusual” punishments: too much time for the crime, unsanitary and overcrowded prison conditions, excessive fines and bail, brutality, and others. When does a “life sentence without parole” violate the 8th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
What if the offender is a kid?
The U.S. Supreme Court will be grappling with this very question this term as it decides two cases on the use of life-without-parole sentences for juvenile offenders.
Attend the Annual Bill of Rights Symposium to:
- Increase your understanding of the 8th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and its application to juveniles. Study the recent Minnesota Supreme Court case that addressed this question and explore other steps taken to deal with children who commit very serious crimes in Minnesota.
- Improve your ability to teach the 8th Amendment using engaging teaching materials that support Minnesota Civic and Government Standards and explore strategies to improve reading in the content area.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
The Learning Law and Democracy Foundation promotes the development of civic competence through accurate, effective, nonpartisan citizenship and law-related education for teachers and students. They provide engaging lessons for k-12 classrooms, activities that encourage civics learning, and support standards and best practices.
Contact Jennifer Bloom at
pebl710@msn.com or 651-772-4276 for more program information.