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Northern Essex Community College

Module 15: CRJ101 Capstone: The Criminal Justice System in Practice 

Review all module materials and expectations carefully before beginning your work.

Module Overview

This final module serves as a capstone experience that brings together the key themes of CRJ101 by asking you to analyze one major component of the criminal justice system—police, courts, or corrections. Using scholarly research and at least two U.S. Supreme Court cases, you will explain how your chosen component operates and how it connects to the other parts of the system. The module emphasizes the ongoing balance between public safety and individual rights, and requires you to apply course concepts to current issues and real legal or policy decisions. You will also evaluate emerging trends and consider how future developments may shape your selected area of criminal justice. By completing the final research paper in APA 7th edition format, you will demonstrate both your content knowledge and your ability to communicate professionally using academic sources. This assignment is designed to showcase your growth in critical thinking, research, and your understanding of how the criminal justice system functions as an interconnected whole.

Important: Carefully review all module materials, instructions, and grading expectations before beginning any activity.

Student Learning Outcomes
  • SLO1: Relate relevant issues in the criminal justice system,
  • SLO2: Discuss the substantive and procedural criminal law in the United States and identify the major components of the court system,
  • SLO3: Describe and discuss the steps in the criminal process and functions of the various components (i.e. police, courts & corrections),
  • SLO4: Discuss and identify the roles of the police, courts and corrections in the criminal justice system,
  • SLO5: Examine the balance between public safety and individual rights,
  • SLO6: Analyze and discuss future trends in criminal justice.
What You Will Do
  • Complete the CRJ101 Research Paper.
  • Follow assignment instructions and grading rubrics closely.
  • Proofread all submissions before posting or uploading.
  • Ask questions early if anything is unclear.