Critical Issues in Criminal Justice

Transcription

1 College of Professional Studies Fall 2012 Critical Issues in Criminal Justice Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe. CJAD 6440 Frederick Douglass Instructor: Leslee Ruscitti, J.D. On-Line: Thursday Schedule Voice: Most experts agree that a foundational knowledge of criminal justice typically consists of a theoretical and applied understanding of crime, law, policing, the courts and the judiciary, community corrections, corrections, and juvenile justice. Course Description This course is a comprehensive overview of the American criminal justice system, including the functions of its components, the role of the various participants and the effectiveness of crime control. We will assess the operations and problems of the criminal justice system; examine crime statistics, the causes of crime, and current issues impacting the system as a whole. It will highlight the role of the courts and the legal constraints derived from the Constitution on arrest, prosecution, and conviction and will examine the procedural processes beginning with the trial process and culminating in sentencing and appeals. Topics may include: current Supreme Court issues, hate crime, domestic violence, gun control, the death penalty, police civil liability, privacy rights, wrongful conviction and public policy, plea bargaining, and reforms to the justice system. 1

2 Educational Tools Criminal Justice Author: James A. Inciardi Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 9 th Edition Academic Articles: additional required articles will be posted to the D2L content page or ed to students as a separate attachment. This class is being taught in an on-line format, which means that specific in-class (F2F) time is replaced by online learning activities. Student Learning Objectives At the conclusion of the course students should be able to: Explain the workings of criminal justice as a comprehensive system operating in a complex environment of interests Assess the impact that the criminal justice system has upon those who come before it: victims, defendants, criminal justice professionals, and the general public To understand the structure and functions of the American court system on both the national and at state levels and appreciate the roles and functions of the various players To recognize the advantages and limitations of the major sources of crime data and develop a familiarity with basic statistical methods used in order to understand and evaluate quantitative information Assess the history and impact of contemporary policing on the system and the public MAPS Learning Outcomes 1. Apply public service concepts to a current issue in the community. 2. Identify an ethical issue and apply ethical principles, values, theories or frameworks to a public service policy or practice. 3. Demonstrate the cultural and communication skills necessary to interact in a reciprocal exchange that honors the human dignity of all persons. 4. Apply theory and principles of group dynamics in assuming multiple group roles and responsibilities that assist in solving complex urban problems. 5. Apply quantitative and qualitative urban research methods to aide in solving complex urban problems. 2

3 Successful students will have shown through specific course assignments the ability to pursue and retain knowledge, evaluate the significance of that knowledge, synthesize ideas from multiple sources, and apply what is learned to work and life situations. Written Assignments Critical Reaction Papers Length: Minimum 2, 12pt. typed, double-spaced pages in WORD Submission: D2L Dropbox as separate attachment Description: Critical Reaction Papers should show evidence of quality writing and a meaningful interaction with the assigned reading materials. CRP s should contain at least one or two specific comments on the assigned reading materials for that week and should include a short heading summarizing its content. For example, a comment might point out a weakness in one of the arguments in the readings; or discuss issues or problems that an author misses or fails to analyze fully; or frame a wholly different observation about, or approach to, an issue raised in the readings. Scenario - Value Exercise Requirements: See Instruction Attachment Length: 12pt. typed, double-spaced pages in WORD Submission: D2L Dropbox as separate attachment Journal Article Analysis Requirements: See Instruction Attachment Length: 12pt. typed, double-spaced pages in WORD Submission: D2L Dropbox as separate attachment Court Observation Paper Requirements: See Instruction Attachment Length: Minimum 5, 12pt. typed, double-spaced pages in WORD 3

4 Submission: D2L Dropbox as separate attachment Description: o See: Court Observation Guidelines o All students will go to a courthouse in their area and observe as many types of criminal proceedings as possible. I understand that there may be students unable, due to work schedules, to complete an in-person observation. With prior approval, an alternative written assignment will be made available. Please make every effort to opt for the observation paper. Famous Trials Length: Minimum of 2 pages for each individual trial analysis. 12pt. typed, double-spaced pages in WORD Submission: D2L Dropbox as separate attachment o Description: This paper will focus on the analysis of three famous trials, current or past. Each student will go to the designated web site, select 3 famous trials and prepare an in-depth analysis related to course materials. Case Study Requirements: See Instruction Attachment Length: 12pt. typed, double-spaced pages in WORD Submission: D2L Dropbox as separate attachment Research Paper Due: Refer to the Assignment Agenda Length: Minimum 10 pages not including title page, Reference List, etc. Format: You will be expected to include an Introduction, content and References consistent with APA formatting. All papers should be 12 pt. type, double-spaced, in black ink. Grammar, punctuation, citation formatting and appearance count. Submission: D2L Dropbox Description: You will be expected to complete a graduate-level research paper on a topic of your choice and germane to this course. There are many topics out there, and your readings will generate subject matter that you may find appropriate. All proposed topics require advance approval. I have posted, to the D2L Content Page a 4

5 list of research topics that are intended to give you some idea of potential subjects. Students should feel free to choose a unique topic of special interest or modify one from the list provided; however, all topics require advance approval. Ground Rules 1. Be prepared and submit all assignments according to the Assignment Agenda schedule. 2. It is expected that all students will access their MU mail at least once a day. I will not send class information to private or business addresses. Schedule and assignment information will be sent through E-Marq. If it is inconvenient to log in arrange to have it forwarded to your home address. 3. Read all assignment instructions carefully. You will lose points for not following the guidelines. 4. To achieve the total number of points for the work you have done, submit assignments on time. If you have an emergency, talk to me about it. Expect to lose points if you do not post timely. I reserve the right to reject any late papers or assign 0 points for late submissions. 5. If you have special needs as related to disabilities, please let me know at the beginning of the class so that we may make the appropriate accommodations. 6. When sending messages to me, please include LEDR 6010 in the title of the message. 7. Appropriately label all work with your name, date of submission and any other organizing indicators such as title of assignment, question number, etc. 8. Always save and back up computer files that contain course work you have submitted or downloaded to D2L. To be successful in this course, please follow the guidelines stated below: There is an expectation of a respectful atmosphere at all times. Providing feedback is an important component of this course and students will strive to be constructive. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating or plagiarism will result in a grade penalty up to and including a zero for the entire course and will be reported to the College of Professional Studies. Additional penalties, in accordance with Marquette s and specifically, the College of Professional Studies, polices, may be imposed. All case study and class materials are confidential. They may not be shared with classmates or fellow students either during the semester or in the future. None 5

6 of the class materials may be posted to the internet or any website other than D2L. Grade Summary Research Paper Critical Reaction Papers Scenario / Dilemmas Case Study Court Observation Journal Article Analysis Famous Trials Feedback 200 Points Total Evaluation The scale below approximates the grade you will earn. There may be slight variations in either direction, depending on performance as a whole. Percentage Achieved Grade Achieved Points % A % AB % B % BC

7 78 74% C *On-line assignments and class participation are vital to the objectives of the course. Since this is an analytic/experiential course, successful integration of the "knowledge" and the "application" components depends upon active participation and timely completion of assignments. Additional Information November 16 th Last day to withdraw with a grade of "W" College of Professional Studies Academic Policies Academic Policies 1. Attendance Policy Student attendance is critical to the successful completion of this course. Individual circumstances may prevent a student from attending a class period. It is the student s responsibility to contact the instructor if the student wants to receive credit for any missed class period. The instructor may require that an extra assignment be completed as a means to determine that the student has met the objectives of the class that was missed. The absence policy is as follows: Absence Result 1 or 2 Acceptable. More than 2 Class participation grade will be affected. Would not recommend taking the course if unable to attend 3 or more classes. Tardiness and leaving early from class affect student performance. The student s grade and/or standing may be adjusted accordingly. The instructor reserves the right to lower the student s grade when tardiness or early exit is problematic and/or disruptive. 2. Withdrawal Students who wish to withdraw from the course must contact the Graduate School. Students may obtain permission to withdraw from a course with a W grade during the period extending from the day following the close of registration until the designated university date 7

8 indicated on the academic calendar. Before withdrawal, students should confer with their assigned advisor to learn what procedures are expected to be followed. According to the spring graduate academic calendar, the last day to withdraw from this class with a grade of W is November 16, Academic Honesty You are responsible to abide by Marquette University s Academic Honesty Policy located at Please know that academic dishonesty may result in suspension and will result in receiving a 0 for the assignment in which it occurred. If you do not know how to correctly site references, please seek help with the university writing center, turn it in.com, and/or Steven Smith, our CPS writing coach. Incomplete citing or failure to cite references is considered plagiarism. 4. Incompletes A student who does not complete course assignments prior to the end of the course must arrange with the instructor, in advance, an incomplete grade. Course work needs to be completed and submitted by the graduate school s posted dates in the graduate bulletin. If work is not competed by that date, the grade becomes a permanent incomplete and the course will need to be retaken in the future. 5. Code of Conduct It is expected that all students, staff, and instructors conduct themselves in a civil manner that demonstrates respect for each other, both inside and outside of the classroom setting. Being respectful includes, but is not limited to, arriving and leaving class at the appropriate times, refraining from private conversations that disrupt neighboring students, and refraining from the use of profanity in the classroom. A respectful atmosphere allows for scholarly exchange in a manner that facilitates growth and learning. Discussion between a student and an instructor regarding grades or assignments should not infringe on the rights of fellow students; an individual appointment is in order. 6. Students with Special Needs Marquette University is committed to assuring that students with special needs have access to educational opportunities equal to those of non special needs students. To insure that reasonable accommodations can be made for students with special needs, each student must identify himself/herself in a timely manner, preferably prior to the beginning of the term. However, if students are unsure eligibility to receive accommodations and have not discussed this with a university representative, students should discuss these concerns with their 8

9 instructor or advisor as soon as possible. Each will be able to direct the student appropriately and confidentially. College of Professional Studies Academic Policies Attendance Policy Student attendance is Result critical to the successful completion of any course. Individual circumstances may prevent a student from attending a class period. It is the student s responsibility to contact the instructor if the student wants to receive credit for any missed class period. The instructor may require that an extra assignment be completed as a means to determine that the student has met the objectives of the class that was missed. The absence policy of the College of Professional Studies is as follows. Absence 2 Acceptable 4 Based on the recommendation of the instructor, the College may withdraw the student from the course. 5 The College reserves the right to automatically withdraw the student from the course. Tardiness and leaving early from class affect student performance. The student s grade and/or standing may be adjusted accordingly. The instructor reserves the right to lower the student s grade when tardiness or early exit is problematic and/or disruptive. Tardiness and leaving early from class affect student performance. The student s grade and/or standing may be adjusted accordingly. The instructor reserves the right to lower the student s grade when tardiness or early exit is problematic and/or disruptive. Withdrawal Students who wish to withdraw from one or more courses, but who will still be attending at least one course during the semester, must contact the College of Professional Studies. Students may obtain permission to withdraw from a course with a W grade during the period extending from the day following the close of registration until the university posted withdraw date. This date is 9

10 posted in the academic calendar. Before withdrawal, students should confer with their assigned advisor to learn what procedures are expected to be followed. Students who register for classes and subsequently change their course load by withdrawing from a course may have an adjustment made to their student account and/or financial aid. Please check with financial aide and/or the bursar s office regarding the specific situation. Academic Honesty It is not feasible to list all conceivable examples of academic dishonesty, but it may be helpful to list a few and note that all involve an attempt to deceive, to distort perceptions of reality and to gain a record of academic accomplishment greater than earned. Most acts of academic dishonesty involve cheating on examinations or reports in one way or another, improperly obtaining examination questions, plagiarism, forgery, falsification of records, or impersonation of a candidate taking an examination. All cases of academic dishonesty will be reported to the academic advisor for further follow-up. Incompletes A student who does not complete course assignments prior to the end of the semester for good reason may request an incomplete from the instructor in advance of the end of the course. Please refer to the graduate school s policy on incompletes for further information. Code of Conduct It is expected that all students, staff and instructors conduct themselves in a civil manner that demonstrates mutual respect, both inside and outside of the classroom. Being respectful includes, but is not limited to, arriving and leaving class at the appropriate times, refraining from private conversations that disrupt neighboring students and refraining from the use of profanity in the classroom. A respectful atmosphere allows for exchange of opinions, theory, scholarly information and experiences in a manner that facilitates growth and learning. Discussion between a student and an instructor regarding grades or assignments should not infringe on the rights of fellow students by being conducted during class. These discussions should occur during a scheduled individual appointment or before and after class when possible. Students with Special Needs Marquette University is committed to assuring that students with special needs have access to educational opportunities equal to those of non-special needs students. To insure that reasonable accommodations can be made for students with special needs, each student must identify himself/herself in a timely manner, preferably prior to the beginning of the term. However, if students are unsure of eligibility to receive accommodations and have not discussed this with a university representative, students should discuss these concerns with their instructor or advisor as soon as possible. Each will be able to direct the student appropriately and confidentially. 10

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