Begin by stating the following phrase: "There ought to be a law...”
Ask how many times students have heard or thought these words. Ask students in what situations the phrase is generally used. Discuss with them that the phrase is used most often by angry citizens upset over some situation, condition, or practice that they feel could be remedied if only there were a law on the books to deal with it.
Model the procedure by describing a problem. Do not make one up—use a real one that you have seen in everyday life and feel needs to be corrected. Use a half sheet of paper. Give reasons for how you feel. Use the other half of the sheet of paper to write a law you feel would solve the problem described.
Example: In order to correct the problem of extra shopping carts in the parking lots of big shopping centers, this law would make it mandatory for grocery/drug stores to have the shopping carts cleared from the parking lot every 15 minutes. This would prevent accidents and would end the "runaway" cart problem. Failure to keep parking lots cleared of shopping carts would result in a fine of $50 for each time it is reported. Additional fines would mean the grocery/drug store would be in danger of losing its license to operate.
• Be sure to describe the consequences of not obeying the law.
• Make sure the consequences are reasonable and fit the law.
