March 6, 2020 Pardons and Commutations including Rob Blagojevich
Homeroom Article: Elizabeth Warren, Once a Front-Runner, Will Drop Out of Presidential Race - New York Times
Learning Target: I can explain the difference between a pardon and a sentence being commuted.
Standard(s): SSCG14 Demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice process.
b. Categorize different types of crimes.
c. Analyze the procedures in the criminal justice process.
d. Examine the different types of sentences a convicted person can receive
Warm Up: Political Cartoon: Get out of jail free card
Opening: The class will watch President Donald Trump's Super Bowl commercial about a woman he pardoned.
Video: SUPER BOWL AD Criminal Justice Reform - Donald Trump
The students will complete the graphic organizer to visualize how U.S. Senators are replaced if they leave office before their term is completed.
Graphic Organizer: Replacement Senators
Work Session: The students will watch videos with questions about Rod Blagojevich and others having their sentences being commuted or pardoned.
Video: Meet the convicted criminals that Trump granted clemency - CNN February 18 2020
Video: Pardon Power - PBS NewsHour_GPBHD_2017_08_28_18_00_02
Video: Pardon Power (Discussion) - PBS NewsHour_GPBHD_2017_08_28_18_00_02
Video: Arpaio Pardon - The Last Word With Lawrence O'Donnell_msnbcH_2017_08_29_22_00_06
Early Finishers:
What Is The Difference Between A Pardon and A Commutation?
Closing: The students will write a discussion post about what they think about pardons and commutations in general (This is not about any of the specific cases we learned about recently)? Do you think there are legitimate reasons for people to be pardoned or to have the remaining part of their sentences commuted?
Discusssion Post: Pardons and Commutations