Evaluating Public Policy

Here are a couple of questions for you…  What is the latest time at night that you have ever ridden a bike?  What is the latest time that you were out without a parent?

In a city in Florida… A young man under the age of 17 was taken into police custody for riding his bike at two in the morning. Why do you think he was arrested?

City Ordinance  The city had passed an ordinance on juvenile curfew  Who qualifies as a “juvenile”?  What is a “curfew”? A juvenile refers to a youth; typically defined as anyone under the age of 18. A curfew is a restriction on people’s movements, restricting the right to be outdoors or in public places during certain times of day.

What does a juvenile curfew do?  Juvenile curfew laws restrict the time juveniles can be outdoors or in public places in a specific geographic location  For example: POSTED NO JUVENILES ALLOWED AT THE MOVIES PAST 9:00 P.M.

What’s the deal?  Why do you think cities might have juvenile curfew ordinances/laws?

Ordinance v. Law  Ordinances impact those on a local level.  These result from needs of the specific community  These ordinances only apply to those in the city. Laws impact people on a state level Laws impact everyone in the state. City Ordinance State Law

Juvenile Curfew Ordinance  You are going to be handed Sections of a real Juvenile Curfew Ordinance  In your group, review and analyze your assigned section of the ordinance.  In your group, create a visual presentation (illustrated poster) to teach the class about your section of the ordinance.

Public Policy When is the best time to have an impact on public policy – be it local or state? BEFORE it becomes policy! Where do policies come from? YOU, the constituent! How do you impact public policy?  City or county commission meetings  School Board meetings A constituent is somebody living in an area where they are represented by elected persons.

What kinds of issues are on the agenda?  What kinds of issues do you think are on the agenda for your city council?  Budget  Funding for homeless shelters, community centers/parks, and animal shelters  Skateboarding in public areas  Ordinances for pets – leash laws, vaccinations, dog parks

Your Turn to Testify!  You will be divided into 6 groups and assigned a position on the juvenile curfew ordinance.  Your group will be testifying in front of the “city council” based on your assigned position.  You will be asking the city council for one of one of 3 things: 1. Adopt the ordinance as it is written 2. Amend the ordinance 3. Dispose of the ordinance entirely

You will be assigned to one of the following groups and positions on the topic of Juvenile Curfew: Police officers Association Will present testimony in support of the ordinance. Businesses Against Crime Will present testimony in support of the ordinance with specific changes. Community Watch Group Will present testimony in support of the ordinance. In support of the ordinance:

In opposition to the ordinance: Teens Against Curfews Will present testimony opposing the ordinance. Parents Against Government Intrusion Will present testimony opposing the ordinance. American Civil Liberties Union Will present testimony citing constitutional implications/violations.

Working in your groups, develop your case for or against the city ordinance about the juvenile curfew. You will be presenting in front of the “city council”, so be sure to: Cite the ordinance Make clear arguments for or against the ordinance Be clear about whether you want to: 1.Adopt the ordinance as it is written 2.Amend the ordinance 3.Dispose of the ordinance entirely