Jussie Smollett, the Empire actor who reported an alleged hate crime in late January, was charged on February 20th with felony disorderly conduct for the allegedly false report he made to the Chicago Police Department. Smollett has since then turned himself in to the Chicago Police Department and was released on bail shortly after his bond was set at $100,000. According to Illinois code, filing a false police report is considered a class 4 felony and is punishable by one to three years in prison.
Instructors, click on the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt, a debate question, as well as other assessment questions.
Video
Articles
- “Indy attorney explains repercussions of filing false police reports following Smollett arrest,” CBS
Assessment
- Writing: Will Jussie Smollett’s case impact future victims of hate crimes?
- Debate: Jussie Smollett is guilty of all charges.
- Poll: Do you believe that the charges against Jussie Smollett are appropriate?
- Short Answer: Why is filing a false police report considered a crime?
Current Events Quiz
1. Actor Jussie Smollett was taken into custody for which of the following charges?
a. disorderly conduct
b. committing a hate crime
c. assault with a deadly weapon
d. public intoxication
2. According to the Illinois code, Jussie committed a crime that is classified as a(n)
a. infraction
b. misdemeanor
c. felony
d. he did not commit a crime
3. Filing a false report in Illinois can be punishable for up to _____ years in prison.
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
4. Filing a false police report is considered to be a class 4 felony in the state of Illinois. (T/F)
5. Jussie Smollett remains in jail awaiting his next hearing. (T/F)
6. The Chicago Police Department believe that Jussie Smollett orchestrated the attack to further his career. (T/F)
Featured Image: Chicago Police Department