NCJ Number
158969
Date Published
1993
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video dramatizes the case processing of a juvenile who pleads guilty to the possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia; viewers are presented with the task of deciding what sentence he should receive after the video presents a sentencing hearing.
Abstract
The setting for the video is introduced by one of Bill Thomas' former friends, who notes that since Bill's father moved away, Bill's behavior has deteriorated, as he has begun associating with a bad crowd. The dramatization then shifts to Bill and his new friends, who are hanging out in an area known by neighbors and the police to be frequented by drug users and dealers. The police, responding to a citizen's call, arrive at the scene, and all the boys but Bill escape. One of the officers apprehends Bill and then finds a baggie of marijuana in his vest pocket, along with a pipe used to smoke marijuana. Another officer finds a vial of crack cocaine in the area where the boys were sitting. Bill will not tell the officers who possessed the crack or the names of the other boys. Bill is taken to the Juvenile Detention Center and booked. Because Bill is on probation on a previous conviction of shoplifting, he is kept in detention for the next month. Upon the advice of his attorney and mother, Bill pleads guilty to the criminal charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The video portrays the sentencing proceeding, in which the juvenile court judge hears testimony from Bill's mother and Bill himself, as they try to persuade the judge to give Bill another chance by putting him on probation. The prosecutor argues for incarceration. The video ends as the judge leaves the bench to decide on Bill's sentence. Viewers are left to decide whether Bill should be sentenced to probation or jail. A teacher's guide is provided to assist in the discussion following the viewing of the video.