They Broke the Law-You Be the Judge: True Cases of Teen Crime [Paperback]

Thomas A. Jacobs (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2003

Teens often hear about other teens who get into trouble with the law. But they’re seldom asked what they think should happen next and why. A unique introduction to the juvenile justice system, They Broke the Law—You Be the Judge: True Cases of Teen Crime invites teens to preside over a variety of real-life cases.

They meet Adam, who makes a threat in school; Erica, who assaults another student and uses marijuana; and more young people who commit crimes and are caught. Like a judge, readers learn each teen’s background, the relevant facts, and the sentencing options available. After deciding on a sentence, they find out what really happened—and where each offender is today.

Along the way, readers learn Judge Jacobs’ concerns about each case, reflect on probing questions, and discover that they can’t jump to conclusions. Teens (and teachers) who want more can find role-playing ideas and scenarios related to the stories available as free downloads here on the Free Spirit Web site.

Thought-provoking and eye-opening, this book is for all teens who want to know more about the juvenile justice system and the laws that pertain to them and their peers.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-Written by a juvenile court judge, this book details 21 cases ranging from truancy to auto theft. Following a description of events leading up to and including the crime itself, readers are given background about the individual, sentencing options, and questions to consider before sentencing, and then asked to make a decision about the case. Jacobs then explains his decision, asks for responses to it, and tells what later happened to the individual. Each case also includes a letter written by the teenager to Judge Jacobs. With the proliferation of courtroom shows on television, this book gives young people a more realistic look at the legal system designed for them. The author's compassion for those who appeared before him will also be eye-opening for many young people. "There may be an occasional detour, but more often than not, they get back on track. It's inspiring to see-." That, above all, will teach young people an important lesson. An unusual and thought-provoking treatment.
Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 7-12. A former juvenile court judge offers a compelling "behind the bench" look at juvenile crime and justice. In each of the 21 real-life cases of teen crime, Jacobs describes the background of the offender and the circumstances of the offense. He then presents several sentencing options, leaving it up to the reader to decide what punishment is appropriate by offering a series of questions to consider before imposing a sentence. Jacobs also includes the judge's decision in each case, and he asks readers to compare and contrast their decision to the judge's. Through the encouraged role-playing, students will gain a better understanding of the intricacies of the system. An excellent introduction to how juvenile justice works, this will be a great resource for classroom and group discussions. Ed Sullivan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing (August 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575421348
• ISBN-13: 978-1575421346
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,570 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Thomas A. Jacobs, J.D., was an Arizona Assistant Attorney General from 1972-1985 where he practiced criminal and child welfare law. He was appointed to the Maricopa County Superior Court in 1985 where he served as a judge pro tem and commissioner in the juvenile and family courts until his retirement in 2008. He also taught juvenile law for ten years as an adjunct professor at the Arizona State University School of Social Work. He continues to write for teens, lawyers and judges.

Visit Judge Jacobs' Web site, www.Askthejudge.info, for free interactive educational tools that provide current information regarding laws, court decisions, and national news affecting teens. It's the only site of its kind to provide legal questions and answers for teens, parents and educators with the unique ability to interact with Judge Jacobs and other teens.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Judges in the making, August 26, 2008

By 

Andrea Mascio "Andrea Mascio" (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: They Broke the Law-You Be the Judge: True Cases of Teen Crime (Paperback)

I have used this book with juveniles I work with on probation. It is neat to see them problem solve the cases and how many times they would actually punish the crime much harder than what the judge actually decided. This book creates great discussions and has a lot of value in the therapeutic groups for problem solving. I highly recommend this book to use with teens in all different ways.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book and learning tool, September 9, 2009

By 

C. M. Bitterman "CM Bitterman" (Chesapeake, VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: They Broke the Law-You Be the Judge: True Cases of Teen Crime (Paperback)

I purchased this book as it was one on a list provided by our school for a summer book report project and the title interested my son. We both read the book and found it to be very interesting for different reasons. My son learned about the juvenile judicial system and the case studies provided a good opportunity for discussion with my son about various topics - how poor friend choices and peer pressure can cause someone to make poor decisions; what happens to those who break the law; how drugs can mess up your life, etc. I really thought that this was a great book for many reasons.