They Broke the Law—You Be the Judge: True Cases of Teen Crime
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, WICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.