Welcome to the Texas State Courthouse.  We are here today to apeal the conviction of Stanley Yelnats. He has been convicted of stealing sneakers and has been sent to the  Green Lake Juvenile Detention Center. Should Stanley Yelnats have been convicted of this crime? Do you believe that he was given a fair trial?

You will explore the crimianl justice system in Texas. Choose the role of a judge, a District Attorney, or Stanley Yelnat's attoryney, and write an essay explaining the trial from their point of view.

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• First, choose your role
• State your defense and what you intend to accomplish.
• Gather information/evidence from resources listed and the book to support your defense.
• Your first essay must include an introductory paragraph explaining your role.
• Next, you will have a minimum of three paragraphs describing the events with supporting details on how you will proceed.
• Finally, you will have a concluding paragraph.
• Present your case before a jury of your peers.

Here are some very helpful sites for gathering information/evidence.

• Texas Juvenile System
• Juvenile Justice and Human Rights
• Boot Camp for Juvenile
• Constitution
• Bill of Rights

You will earn up to ten points each for the following for a total of 60 points:

         1. Introduction that states a clear goal
         2. Goal supported by several strong reasons
         3. Each reasons backed up by examples
         4. Reasons and details organized in paragraphs with good topic sentences and transitions
         5. Confident voice and persuasive language
         6. Conclusion that sums up reasons and calls for action

Strategies for Teaching Adolescent Friendships

http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1980/1/80.01.03.x.html

Biography of Louis Sacher

http://www.austinchronicle.com/issues/vol18/issue26/books.sacher.html