This activity is based on the Supreme Court decision in J.D.B. v. North Carolina. In this case, the Supreme Court was asked to decide if the age of a juvenile being questioned by police should be taken into consideration when deciding if he or she is in police custody and, therefore, entitled to a Miranda warning. Participants analyze the Supreme Court case and apply it to a fictional scenario involving a high school student and shoplifting.
How to Use These Resources
These resources can be adapted for use in courtrooms, classrooms, and independent study.
In Advance: 30-Minute Preparation with No Additional Reading or Research
Preparation for Volunteer Attorneys
- Preparation starts with downloading the activity package.
- The ready-to-go resources can be reviewed in 30 minutes.
Preparation for Teachers and Students
- No preparation is needed for courtroom programs.
- Everything is provided in the courtroom, including time for volunteer attorneys to prepare participants.
Activity Duration
One, 50-minute class period or a 60-to-90-minute courtroom program. Timing depends on the length of discussion segments. Each program component can be adjusted to fit the time allotted
Student Take Away
Miranda rights come into play when someone is in police custody. But do they apply to people under 18? Students analyze the fictional scenario and discuss the questions to come to an understanding of their rights when they find themselves in the custody of law enforcement.
In the Courtroom or the Classroom
1. Use or modify the agenda.
2. Analyze the facts and case summary.
3. Apply the Supreme Court’s decision to the fictional teen scenario.
4. Use critical thinking skills and share reflections using the discussion questions.
5. Learn about related Circuit Court cases, and compare them using the worksheet and answer key.