Guest Video

Watch the following videos in their entirety and answer the critical thinking questions below. 

Jennifer Schuett: Case Overview

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Joshua Benjamin: Background

Q1: It’s difficult to accept and value individuals who are different from us and who are different from the majority of people we interact with; how does hearing Josh’s story help you examine your own biases and judgments toward others?

Q2: Going back to Dr. Rennison’s statement in a prior video about the importance of empathy, do you feel you would be willing to hear the stories of those who commit crimes, even violent crimes, to understand the entirety of the situation and to understand more of who they are as human beings?

Jennifer Schuett: Role of the Media

Q1:  What are some of the positive and purposeful uses of the media? Jennifer talks about how the media personnel she interacted with were respectful of her and her desires to tell her story without outside influences. What are some possible concerns limiting sources and perspectives? Is there a way to incorporate those other sources and perspectives while still preserving Jennifer’s experience and her story?

Q2: What is the appropriate role of the media? In some cases, is it acceptable to only tell one side or one facet of a story?

Christ Farias: Case Overview

Q1: As Chris talks about his negative view of law enforcement and “society’s foundations,” what could be done to help shape the view of the criminal justice system in the minds of citizens and who should be responsible for that?

Chris Farias: The Criminal Justice System

Q1: Chris alludes to his change in perception and coming to have respect for the criminal justice system that, prior to, he was negatively involved with. What does it take to change one’s perceptions? How could it be possible for those who interact with the criminal justice system to have a positive view of it? Should they and should society in general?