Can Brianne be helped by juvenile jail, in the remaining months before she turns 18? (Remember, once she turns 18, she won't be on probation if you keep her in the juvenile system.) Or should you send her to adult court, where she could get a longer sentence? Will adult jail shock Brianne into behaving responsibly? 2. Brianne is only 17. Will adult jail do her more harm than good?

3. What would make Brianne so rebellious and out-of-control at such a young age? Her parents seem like nice people, but have no clue that Brianne has been doing drugs since grade school. Maybe something is happening at home to cause her to act out. Perhaps you can dig further to find the root of her problems. Should something have been done with Brianne's parents when she first came to court at 13? Should you do something now?

4. Are some kids simply rebellious by nature, even if they've had a good home life? Does home life always explain a person's behavior? Does it ever justify a person's acts?

5. Will Brianne's letter affect the sentence you give? Why or why not?

You Be The Judge

6. Based on the information available, what should Brianne's sentence be?

Your Response to the Judge's Decision

7. Are you surprised by the Judge's sentence? Why or why not?

8. Was it harder or easier on Brianne than your sentence? In what ways?

9. What part of the Judge's sentence do you agree with? What part do you disagree with? Why?

10. Is there anything missing from the Brianne's sentence? If so, what is it, and why is it important?

11. How do you feel about the decision to refer Brianne to adult court even though she's 17? Do you think a longer adult sentence might have a greater impact on her? Why or why not?

12. What do you predict will happen to Brianne?

Final Thoughts

13. Were you surprised that Brianne started doing drugs again? Were you surprised that she stopped? Do you think she'll stay off drugs?

14. Should juveniles be treated like adults in some cases (tried in adult court and sent to adult jail)? In what kinds of cases?

15. Have you ever felt like Brianne, that your life is out of control? It doesn't have to involve drugs-it could be stress about work or school, or conflicts in your family. What causes you to stress? What could you do to reduce the stress in your life?

16. When you've tried to be independent in your life, what has been the response from your parents? Are you able to tell them how you feel and reach an understanding? Why or why not?

17. Have your parents been there for you when you've gotten into trouble? Would you stick by your son or daughter if they made a mistake?