One of the most stimulating but trying aspects of teaching criminology and criminal justice courses centers on the controversial issues that so frequently arise in our courses. In this paper we discuss five models or approaches to dealing with controversial issues in the classroom: the due process approach, the peacemaking approach, the academic controversy approach, the devil's advocate approach, and the avoidance approach. These models are intended as ideal types to be used by instructors find them useful, not as models to be compared critically. Strategies to prevent or cool down heated discussions are also suggested.