Story: Trial of Younger Sniper Suspect Begins 11/10/03
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec03/sniper_11-10.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. Whose trial is beginning this week? Who is the suspect accused of killing?
   
   
   
   
2. Why isn't the sniper trial taking place in or near Washington, DC?
   
   
   
   
3. Explain the basic defense of the suspect in the trial that starts this week.
   
   
   
   
4. What is the prosecution's plan for the trial?
   
   
   
   
5. Explain the use of capital murder charges in this case. Who decides the suspect's punishment?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. In what situations should criminals who commit crimes before the age of 18 be tried as adults? Explain your reasoning.

2. Research past capital punishment cases. Have any criminals who committed crimes as youth been executed? If so, what are the circumstances surrounding their cases? What is your opinion of this practice?

3. At what point do you become responsible for your actions? Have you ever been in a situation where you feel you were, rightly or wrongly, treated differently because of your age?

Send your answers, in essay form, to extra@newshour.org for possible publication!