Tag Archives | prison

Prison Debate Team Beats Harvard

prisonIn 2015 our debate topic was “Should private prisons be legal?”

Now read about how a prison debate team has beaten Harvard University debate team.

(The TweenTribune article has different reading/lexile levels; choose the one best for you.)

It goes to show you that just because a person is in prison does not mean that they are not smart.

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Prison Reform in the News

As we celebrate our Debate Championships and the end of another exciting school year, many believe that the tragic story of Kalief Browder sheds more light on changes that are needed in our criminal justice system. While Kalief’s case if not strictly a matter of public vs. private, many Americans agree that our prison system needs reform. What do you think?

Kalief Browder, Held at Rikers Island for 3 Years Without Trial, Commits Suicide (From The New York Times)
Before the Law: A boy was accused of taking a backpack. The courts took the next three years of his life. (From New Yorker)
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Brainpop Resources

prisonTo understand the current debate topic better, it may help to understand the different court systems in the United States.

Brainpop has two good videos: Trials and Court System. Also, explore the “FYI” tab of the Court Systems page, which lists the different types of courts in the country, as well as what can happen to young people convicted of crime.

And, if you have not already done so, you should definitely watch the movie Debate.

Use your school’s account to access Brainpop.com

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