http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ A search of MERLOT materials Copyright 1997-2013 MERLOT. All rights reserved. Wed, 22 May 2013 18:53:20 PDT Wed, 22 May 2013 18:53:20 PDT http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/images/merlot.gif http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ 44 34 http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=85580 The organization, 360 degrees, has been collecting the stories of inmates, correctional officers, lawyers, judges, parole officers, parents, victims, and others whose lives have been affected by the criminal justice system. Each story is focused around a specific case and is told from the perspectives of the people involved. As you listen to the stories, you can explore each speaker's personal space by navigating 360 degrees-up, down, and around-prison cells, offices, judges' chambers, and living rooms. There is also supportive material under Resources, including how the site can be used in curriculum. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=360182 This site "investigates the bizarre case of Terence Garner. It is a story that seems fit for a novel, with unforgettable characters, plot twists, and timeless themes. Only it isn't fiction. The facts of the story are all too real. As crimes go, the armed robbery of the Quality Finance Company on April 25, 1997, in Johnston County, N.C., was serious -- but ordinary. It ended in the near-fatal shooting of one of the three victims; shot in the chest and head, she survived but lost an eye." One of the individuals arrested, Terence Garner, was later found to be innocent but never received a retrial. This case details what happened with supplementary materials, such as readings, interviews and other links and a video excerpt from the original show. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=85588 The Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola, holds more than five-thousand prisoners, mostly African Americans. In the 1970s, the state's politicians changed the definition of a life sentence. A life sentence in Louisiana now means just that. Unless they're pardoned by the Governor, inmates today know they will never again see the outside world -- that they will die inside Angola prison. Tossing Away the Keys is their story. There is an audio track as well as a written transcript. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=360183 This site looks at the issue of gun control and gun rights. There are a variety of links to articles which argue the pros and controls of each. There are links to statistics about guns as well as FAQs. There are transcripts of interviews with a number of people on each side. There is also a discussion of the issue that followed the program. The materials on this site would provide excellent ammunition (no pun intended) for a debate on gun control. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=360186 In this material, "Fronline goes behind the scenes of America's marijuana industry, examining the production, sale, and effort to eradicate the nation's most widely used illegal drug. The program takes viewers underground to see firsthand hidden indoor marijuana grow rooms; tells the stories of men and women who are serving sentences of up to 93 years for marijuana offenses; and follows law officers as they arrest offenders in the $10 billion a year war on marijuana." There is supplemental material that includes a video excerpt, transcripts of interviews, a discussion of the effectiveness of D.A.R.E., and a variety of other resources. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=85584 This NPR site features a story regarding a young female prisoner who became a model prisoner when incarcerated. The interview, played on NPR's Prison Diaries, takes place as she is leaving prison and preparing for life on the outside. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=85583 Judge Jeremiah, a Rhode Island juvenile court judge, and Matthew, a 17 year old repeat offender, were given tape recorders. During that time, Judge Jeremiah released Matthew early, for good behavior. Two weeks later Matthew was arrested again, for selling drugs. Through their diaries, Matthew and the judge tell the same story from two different sides of the bench. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=275419 This is a 37 page lesson plan in which students perform three separate lab activities to examine evidence found at the scene of the crime. The students perform a Kastle-Meyer Color Test, a Flame Test and Fingerprint Identification. Students then compose a Crime Lab Report to summarize their conclusions and solve the mystery. A wealth of information and resources are also provided. PLEASE NOTE: Instructors will have to provide contact information in order to access the materials. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=85582 This site is from a 22 minute program on All Things Considered, entitled Prison Diaries. There are interviews with several correction officers which provide insight into their reponsibilities. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=85581 This NPR site contains a 22 minute radio program from All Things Considered, regarding John, a 22 year old inmate. One can also listen to interviews with John's mother and the program producer.