Do prisons work? Lesson 6 of 6
GCSE • Law and the justice system • Model curriculum
Do prisons work?
This lesson is part 6 of a sequence of six lessons exploring the enquiry: Does our legal system protect citizens’ rights?
This lesson examines incarceration within the framework of rights, justice, and fairness, exploring the effectiveness of prisons in the UK. Students analyse data, compare global prison populations, and consider the role of democracy and legal systems in addressing crime and punishment. The lesson begins with a starter activity using graphs to prompt observations and interpretations of incarceration statistics, followed by a discussion to define incarceration and assess the UK’s prison population in comparison to other nations. Students are guided to consider the societal implications of high incarceration rates and examine global differences in legal practices, such as capital punishment.
The lesson progresses with an evidence-based analysis of prison success and failure through a worksheet activity. Students then engage in a structured writing task, crafting a speech on whether UK prisons effectively serve their purpose. This activity challenges them to synthesise insights from the unit and address competing rights, such as those of victims and prisoners. The session concludes with peer assessments of speeches and a retrieval challenge grid to reinforce key concepts. A takeaway task encourages students to gather public opinions on prison effectiveness, extending their learning to real-world perspectives. Teachers are provided with links to additional resources on prison life and reform for further enrichment.
Students will work towards answering the following learning questions:
- What is incarceration?
- When are prisons successful and less successful?
- How well do prisons work?
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