CRIME RANKING

Ranking different crimes

Before we begin learning about punishment, prisons and The Shawshank Redemption, we need to think about crime itself. Are all crimes equally serious? Should all crimes receive the same punishment? Different people and different societies may answer these questions in different ways.

In this activity, you will work in pairs with ten different crimes.

First, study the images and make sure you understand what each crime involves. Then research what punishment or sentence a person might receive for each crime in the United States.

Instructions: Step one – four

Step 1: Study the Crimes

Look carefully at the ten crime images and discuss what each crime involves.

Step 2: Research the Punishments

Work in pairs to find out what punishment or prison sentence a person could receive for each crime in the United States.

Step 3: Create a list that you label “The Judicial System’s Ranking“

Based on the punishments you found, rank the crimes from: 1 = Least serious crime to 10 = Most serious crime

Try to think about how the judicial system views the crimes rather than your own opinions.

Step 4: Create a second list that you label “Our Ranking”

Rank the same crimes from: 1 = Crime you are most likely to commit
to 10 = Crime you are least likely to commit

Be honest. This ranking is about opinion, not guilt.

Instructions: Step five

Step 5: Compare and Discuss

Compare your lists with another pair.

Discuss:

  • Which rankings were similar?

  • Which rankings were different?

  • Did the judicial system’s ranking match your own ranking?

  • Are the crimes that are punished most severely always the crimes people are least likely to commit?

Be prepared to explain and defend your rankings in a class discussion.

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