|
Setting the Stage: Teacher/Student
Simulation
| (Note
to teachers: If possible, complete this activity
as a simulation at the beginning of class. Inform
the student "suspect" ahead of time
and make arrangements with one of the school's
security guards. Don't show students the prepared
questions. Instead, pretend that it is a real
event. If you're not able to do so, have students
read the conversation below and answer the questions.) |
As
you walk into class, you observe this conversation between
your teacher and one of your classmates.
Teacher:
"You smell like cigarette smoke. Have you been
smoking?"
Student:
"Me? No way, man, I don't smoke."
Teacher:
"I don't believe you. Let me see your backpack.
I'm going to call security and have them check it for
cigarettes."
Student:
"You're kiddin' me, right? I didn't do anything
wrong. Plus, they can't search me without a warrant."
Teacher:
"They can and they will. You're underage and it's
illegal to smoke in school."
At
this point, a security guard enters the room and approaches
the student.
Security
Guard: "Come with me and bring your backpack.
We're going to search it."
Questions to Consider:
- What
did you think about the event that just occurred?
Was the student treated fairly?
- The
student claimed that security can't conduct a search
without a warrant. Do you think this is true? Why
or why not?
- Do
the rules that police must follow regarding searches
apply to school officials? Should the same rules apply?
Why or why not?
Transition:
This
simulation was based on the events leading up to the
Supreme Court case New Jersey v. T.L.O.
Read the background and answer the accompanying questions.
Next, make a prediction regarding the outcome of the
case. Read the excerpt of the
majority opinion and discuss the outcome as a class. |
