Overview
What is occupational licensing? What are the intentions behind these regulations and what are the effects? How does occupational licensing impact those with criminal records? In this segment, John Stossel looks at one unintended consequence of occupational licensing.

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Grade level and subjects
• Recommended for grades 6-12
• Subjects: Business and Government
• Works in Classroom, Hybrid, and Homeschool settings

What students will learn
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• explain occupational licensing laws;
• discuss the arguments for and against occupational licensing;
• describe the role of public interest law firms in regulations; and
• assess the impact of occupational licensing on ex-cons trying to rehabilitate themselves.

Key concepts and terms covered
Occupational Licensing and Ublic Interest Law Firm.

Sample discussion questions
• Why did Courtney Haveman spend $6,000 to go to cosmetology school?
• Do you think government should be more forgiving of those with criminal records? Why / Why not?
• Andrew Wade says that this violates Courtney’s constitutional rights. How so?
• Are all licensed drivers good drivers? Are all unlicensed drivers bad drivers? How might that apply to cosmetology licenses?
• If you could rewrite the law, what changes would you make?

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 9-page Teacher's Guide includes a lesson description, learning objectives, key vocabulary, a fill-in viewing guide with answer key, discussion and analysis questions, and classroom activities.

Standards alignment
Aligned to state standards — use the SITC Standards Tool to match this video to the standards in your state.