Welcome to your independent study hub! Whether you are working through this during class, completing home learning, or tackling a cover lesson, this menu gives you complete freedom.
You can complete the tasks in any order and mix and match across the categories. Dive into what interests you most, challenge your thinking, and explore the complex world of crime, ethics, and justice.
Watch and Answer
Tagged: Fresh Outta Jail
| https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p06zh9hh/tagged-fresh-out-of-jail-episode-1 Watch all 3 episodes of the BBC documentary, and answer the big question: How effective is electronic tagging as a punishment? Write a detailed summary of your thoughts. |
Your Choice
Watch a TV show or movie that features a crime. Explain what the crime was, why the criminal did it, and what punishment they received. (If they didn’t get caught or punished, explain what sentence you think they should have been given).
Read
Causes of Crime
Head over to the BBC Bitesize guide (Causes of Crime) and list and explain 5 different reasons why someone might commit a crime.
Life in UK Prisons
Read the Metro article (Life in UK Prisons) and describe what everyday life is really like behind bars.
What is prison life like?
History of Capital Punishment in the UK
Check out the HistoryExtra guide (History of Capital Punishment) and answer: Why did the UK get rid of the death penalty?
Why did the UK get rid of Capital Punishment?
Big Pharma’s Crusade to end Death Penalty
Read the article on pharmaceutical companies and the death penalty. Explain what drug companies are doing and why they are getting involved.
Knife Crime
Read The Day briefing on Knife Crime. Put yourself in charge of public policy: What specific steps would you take to reduce knife crime in the UK?
Research
- Notorious Cases: Choose a real criminal. Explain what they did, what you think drove them to commit the crime, whether it could have been prevented, and what punishment they received.
- Global Capital Punishment: Research a country that still uses the death penalty. Find out roughly how many executions it carries out and what methods are used.
- Methods Around the World: Investigate different methods of capital punishment used globally. Explain which method you think is the most effective (or least effective) and why.
- Rehabilitation Charities: Research a UK charity that supports prisoners or works to lower reoffending rates. Explain what they do and why their work matters.
- Miscarriages of Justice: Research the true story of someone who was sentenced to death or a long prison term, but was later proven innocent. Explain the original case and how their innocence was discovered.
Debate
- Choose a side, justify your reasoning, and write a thorough response to these ethical dilemmas:
- “We should test medical vaccines and cures on prisoners.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain why.
- “We should bring back the death penalty in the UK.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain why.
- “Some methods of capital punishment are better than others.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain why.
- “Criminals should always be offered a path to forgiveness and a fresh start.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain why.
- “Prisoners should not be allowed luxuries such as televisions or access to a gym.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain why.
Create
- The Interview: Write a script for a radio or podcast interview between yourself and a convicted criminal. Think carefully about how a real offender would answer your probing questions about morality, regret, and consequences.
- Architect of Justice: Design and build a model or blueprint of a brand-new prison. Consider how the physical layout reflects your personal philosophy on punishment versus rehabilitation.
- Alternative Sentencing: Design a brand-new alternative punishment system for people found guilty of the following crimes: Speeding, Theft, Kidnap, Murder, and Assault.
- The Soundtrack of Justice: Write an original song, spoken word piece, or rap exploring the themes of justice, crime, and punishment.
- The Ultimate Guide: Create a digital presentation or video guide summarising everything you have learned throughout your study of justice and punishment.