Unit 8: Basic Understanding of the Law

Lesson 1: Criminal Violations

OBJECTIVES

1. Identify at least 10 illegal acts.

2. Identify at least two consequences of illegal behavior.

MATERIALS NEEDED
marker board or something to write on

INSTRUCTIONAL FORMAT
This lesson will provide information on behavior that is illegal. Hopefully, students have an understanding of "right and wrong." Developing skills in the area of anger management, assertiveness, and problem solving will help students avoid some situations in which they may be vulnerable to committing crimes. This lesson should serve as a reminder and an opportunity to think through all of the consequences of illegal behavior.

1. Discuss criminal violations. Have the students list as many violations of the law as possible. Write these on the marker board. Remind students that use and possession of illegal drugs, driving without a license, hitting someone, not paying child support, and public drunkenness are violations of the law. Inform students that when people are under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, the likelihood of engaging in illegal behavior is greatly increased.
   
   

2. Discuss the consequences of criminal behavior. The discussion should cover time in jail, loss of money due to lawyer fees, fines, and time away from work, potential loss of a job and difficulty obtaining employment in the future. Inform students that illegal behavior could lead to the termination of their jobs.
   
   

3. Discuss the perception that some people think it is OK to commit an illegal act if other people around them are engaging in a similar behavior. People often think it is OK to use illegal drugs, drive while under the influence of alcohol, steal from work, and cheat on taxes because their friends, neighbors, and family do it. Remind students that it is not wise to break a law because they disagree with it or because other people do it and do not get caught. A law is a law, and if they get caught, there will be consequences.

SIGNS OF GENERALIZATION
Most people who commit illegal activity understand that the behavior is against the law and could result in consequences. Thus, the information taught in this lesson is not going to necessarily generalize to the prevention of illegal behavior on the part of students. As mentioned earlier, skills such as anger management, assertiveness, and problem solving will provide the best defense against the temptations of illegal behavior.

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