Case #2069.0

Scared Straight: Freeport City Council Takes on Juvenile Delinquency

Publication Date: July 8, 2016
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Abstract:
A newly elected city council member is facing her first vote—an appropriations measure to increase funding for the Scared Straight program. Juvenile crime is rising in the city, citizens are concerned and want the government to do something, and the police chief is promoting the Scared Straight Program as one part of the solution. But the council member learns from a colleague at the community college that research shows the Scared Straight Program has a negative effect on youth—causing more crime among some. How should she vote? How could she explain the research to constituents who are concerned and afraid and want action?

Learning Objective:
This case helps students understand what is meant by "evidence" and what different forms of evidence they can draw on. It also provides students an opportunity to practice describing "technical" statistical or evidence findings to a general public. Finally, it forces students to think about how to use evidence in tense political situations.

Other Details

Case Author:
Julie Boatright Wilson
Faculty Lead:
Julie Boatright Wilson
Pages (incl. exhibits):
4
Setting:
United States
Language:
English