January 2010 Archives - Askthejudges
Teen “accomplice” will serve at least 25 years in prison
Sixteen year old Benjamin Cannon and his friend, Felix Vasquez, wanted to score some marijuana. They knew where to get it but were without transportation to get there. So they decided to steal a car. Close to midnight, Benjamin laid down in the street in …
Should the classroom be closed to social networking web sites?
“Teachers and principals should meet kids where they live: online”.* There is an ongoing debate about the presence and use of social networking sites on campus. Some argue for its incorporation into classroom study while others prefer its absence because of the few students who …
Teen use of marijuana rises
A recent survey by the University of Michigan for the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates an upward trend in teen use of marijuana and prescription drugs. On the other hand, teens have cut back on smoking cigarettes, binge drinking and methamphetamine use. Marijuana use …
Priest sanctions shoplifting by those in need
In December, 2009, Reverend Tim Jones of England told his congregation that sometimes shoplifting is okay. As long as you don’t take more than you need and you do it at large chain stores rather than small family businesses, it’s acceptable, he preached. He later …
Peppermint oil at school results in suspension
The label on the bottle says it should be kept out of reach of children. However, ten year old Sara Greiner of Commack, New York brought peppermint oil to school in December, 2009. She put a few drops in her water bottle and shared some …
Juvenile prisons unsafe for many teens
A Justice Department survey released in January, 2010, indicates that 12% of juvenile inmates are sexually victimized. The vast majority of cases involve boys and female staff members. Over 9,000 teenagers in state and privately run facilities were interviewed. There are approximately 26,000 juveniles in …