You should now be familiar with two Supreme Court cases related to the Eighth Amendment and juvenile law. Now you will use what you've learned to write an extended response to the focus question. Imagine your state is having voters decide the issue of whether to allow juveniles to be tried and sentenced as adults. The local newspaper has asked students in your course to submit an article on the topic to give minors a voice in the debate. The editor explains that your audience includes voting adults who may be undecided on the issue. Your job is to write a persuasive article to convince them to your side.
Your article will be graded on content and quality. Be sure to use facts and quotes where appropriate to explain or justify your claim. Relate court cases that you have learned about to each other and refer to what you have learned in lessons. You may use this template to organize your article. Should the courts treat minors the same as adults when they are accused of serious crimes?