Question

Scenario: A Crime Investigation
Read the following scenario:

Police respond to a report that a convenience store was robbed. A suspect is arrested after witnesses identify them leaving the scene. The suspect is taken to jail and later appears in court.

Student Task
Students answer:

What do you think happens after someone is arrested?

What steps must occur before a person can be punished for a crime?

Who decides whether the person is guilty or innocent?

Discuss responses briefly and introduce the criminal justice process.

Mini Lesson / Guided Instruction (15–20 Minutes)
The Criminal Justice Process
Explain the major steps:

Investigation
Law enforcement gathers evidence about a possible crime.

Arrest
Police arrest a suspect if there is probable cause.

Charging
Prosecutors review evidence and decide whether to file charges.

Initial Appearance / Arraignment
The accused appears before a judge and enters a plea (guilty or not guilty).

Trial
Evidence is presented in court before a judge or jury.

Verdict
The judge or jury determines guilt or innocence.

Sentencing
If convicted, the judge decides the punishment.

Types of Criminal Sentences
Courts may assign different sentences depending on the crime:

1. Incarceration (Prison or Jail)
The person serves time in jail or prison.

2. Probation
The offender remains in the community under supervision.

3. Fines
The offender must pay money as punishment.

4. Community Service
The offender must perform unpaid work for the community.

5. Restitution
The offender must repay the victim for damages or losses.

Activity (45 Minutes)
Criminal Justice Case Study
Students work independently to analyze a fictional case.

Case Scenario
Alex is accused of stealing expensive electronics from a store. Security cameras recorded someone who looks like Alex leaving the store with the items without paying. Police question Alex and later make an arrest.

Student Tasks
Part 1: Criminal Justice Process
Students place the following steps in the correct order:

Investigation

Arrest

Trial

Charging

Verdict

Sentencing

Arraignment

Then students answer:

What happens during an arrest?

What role does the prosecutor play?

Why is a trial important in the justice process?

Part 2: Sentencing Decisions
Students read three possible outcomes:

Outcome A: Alex receives probation and must complete community service.
Outcome B: Alex must pay restitution to the store and a fine.
Outcome C: Alex is sentenced to jail time.

Students answer:

Which sentence is the least severe?

Which sentence is the most severe?

Why might a judge choose probation instead of jail?

Part 3: Critical Thinking
Students write a short paragraph:

Do you think sentencing should always be the same for the same crime? Why or why not?

Check for Understanding (CFU) – 10 Minutes
Students respond to the following questions:

What is the first step in the criminal justice process?

What happens during arraignment?

Who determines the verdict in a jury trial?

What is the difference between probation and incarceration?

What is restitution?

Review answers as a class or collect responses.

Exit Ticket (5 Minutes)
Students respond in 2–3 sentences:

Identify one step in the criminal justice process and explain its purpose.

Identify one type of criminal sentence and explain why it might be used.

answers only

Answer 1

Arraignment is a step where the accused appears before a judge to hear the charges and enter a plea. Its purpose is to inform the defendant of the charges, protect their legal rights, and set bail or conditions while scheduling future court dates.

Probation is a sentence that allows an offender to remain in the community under supervision instead of serving time in jail. It is used to promote rehabilitation, monitor the offender’s behavior, and provide a chance to complete court-ordered programs while reducing prison overcrowding.