K–6Civic Lab
Criminal Justice Reform
Understand the justice system
Jorah
SylviaBefore you start
- Age band
- K–6
- Time
- 30–60 minutes
- Quest type
- Hanging Out
- Guardian
- Otis · Weber
- Materials needed
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
- Composition Notebook
- Highlighter and Sticky Note Set
Video resources
Criminal Justice Reform ‘Poster Child’ | SoCal Update
This 2-minute video from PBS SoCal relates to "Criminal Justice Reform". Sourced from a vetted educational channel with YouTube safe-search strict. Please preview before sharing — final vetting is a human step.
Watch on YouTube →Why this skill rocks
This helps you understand how rules and fairness work in our big world. You learn how to make things better for everyone in your community.
2034Where this could take you
In 2034, you could be a strong voice, making sure everyone has a fair chance, maybe even helping write new laws that make our city a better place for all the Olympic visitors.
What You'll Need
Optional materials for this quest.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
RequiredA compelling, readable account of criminal justice reform told through real cases. Bryan Stevenson founded the Equal Justice Initiative and this book makes complex legal issues personal and clear. Available in teen and adult editions.
Composition Notebook
RequiredKeep a dedicated research journal for tracking facts, interview notes, your reform brief drafts, and reflection entries over eight weeks.
Highlighter and Sticky Note Set
Annotate articles and book chapters as you research. Sticky notes help you flag key passages and organize your reform brief before writing the final version.