The document discusses police powers and how they affect citizens, particularly related to stop and search laws. It provides examples of cases where individuals' records from minor crimes as juveniles negatively impacted their lives later. It also prompts analysis of statistics on stop and search arrests under terrorism laws, noting most occurred in certain areas and rules changed in 2010. Students are asked to reflect on what they learned and how much power police should have.
1. A FAIR COP? HOW DO THE RIGHTS OF THE POLICE AFFECT US? Year 9 Citizenship
2. At What Age? “ How come I’m not allowed to work?” “ When can I drive?” “ You can’t do anything, I’m only a kid” Using the sheet, discuss with the people on your table how old you have to be to do each of the things listed. You have 5minutes for this activity
3. Learning Outcomes: By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Recall the ages of legal responsibility in the UK Understand your rights in a stop and search situation Form an opinion on how much power the police should have
4. Police Powers Activity You will be given a set of cards in an envelope, each states a police power. Some are true , some are false . With a partner or in a 3, sort the cards into a pile for true and false. Record your answers in a table Be prepared to share your reasons with the class.
5. Your Record “ One case involved Kylie Smith, now aged 20, who complained because she said that a conviction for common assault had obstructed her ambition to become a carer. Ms Smith was reprimanded in 2001 when she was 13 and her background was disclosed by Staffordshire Police during a criminal records check when she applied for a job.” “ Another case related to a record kept by Humberside Police about a person convicted at the age of 16 of stealing a packet of meat worth 99p in 1984. The person, who has not been identified, was fined £15.” Source: Times Online – July 22, 2008
6. Case Study: Terrorism Stop & Search What do the Home Office statistics show? How many people have been stopped and searched under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act? How many of the arrests made were terrorism related? In which area were most of the searches made? Can you offer any reasons for this? In July 2010 the rules changed, how has this affected stop and searches? 6. Why might these stop and search powers be a good thing? 7. Why do you think these stop and search powers are under review? 8.What is the Director of Liberty’s opinion?
7. How well have we done? Can you: Recall the ages of legal responsibility in the UK Understand your rights in a stop and search situation Form an opinion on how much power the police should have Under the title ‘Reflection’ write a sentence explaining the most valuable thing you have learned this lesson, and then ask a question about something else you would like to know.
8. Homework What is the difference between civil and criminal law? Write a paragraph explaining the differences in your exercise book under the title above. Include some examples.