“Should it be a Crime?” Lesson Plan & Resources
This lesson plan, titled “Should it Be a Crime,” provides a 90-minute introductory exploration into the foundations of criminal law. Designed for an interactive classroom setting, the resource challenges students to act as the first government of a new settlement on Mars, tasked with determining which behaviors should be criminalized in a society with no existing laws. Through a combination of video discussion, small-group collaboration, and a structured worksheet featuring 13 diverse scenarios, students learn to define “crime,” rank the seriousness of various offenses, and identify the ethical and practical factors—such as intent, harm, and consent—that lawmakers consider. The curriculum includes comprehensive procedures for discovery, application, and reflection, as well as built-in assessments and modifications to ensure the material is accessible to all learners.