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Northern Essex Community College

CRJ101 Final Research Paper

TILT-aligned: Purpose • Task • Criteria for Success

APA 7th Edition

Purpose

This final paper allows you to demonstrate your understanding of how the three major components of the U.S. criminal justice system—police, courts, and corrections—interconnect to uphold justice while balancing public safety and individual rights. Through this assignment, you will:

  • Relate current issues within the criminal justice system (SLO1).
  • Analyze the structure, functions, and processes of your chosen component (SLO2–SLO4).
  • Explain the impact of U.S. Supreme Court cases on policies and practices (SLO2, SLO5).
  • Evaluate emerging or future trends and their implications for your chosen area (SLO6).
  • Develop academic research and professional APA writing skills relevant to criminal justice careers.
Task
  1. Select one component of the criminal justice system that most interests you:
    • Police: Explain how policing operates in the U.S., referencing at least two significant U.S. Supreme Court cases that have advanced or restricted police powers.
    • Courts: Examine the organization and operation of the U.S. court system, including key Supreme Court decisions that influence substantive or procedural law.
    • Corrections: Describe the role of corrections, including the types of punishments used and how they align with rehabilitative or punitive philosophies.
  2. Research and write a paper that meets the following requirements:
    • Length: 4–5 pages of content, double-spaced. Title and Reference pages do not count.
    • Format: Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1-inch margins, APA 7th edition throughout.
    • Sources: Minimum of three scholarly sources, such as peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, or reputable government/legal publications.
    • Quotations: 10–15% direct quotes; prioritize your own analysis.
  3. Submit the final paper to the course dropbox by the deadline in the syllabus.

Tip: Keep a brief running list of cases you cite, such as Mapp v. Ohio or Gideon v. Wainwright, to ensure accuracy in your in-text citations and reference list.

Criteria for Success
Criteria for Success Rubric
Criteria Exemplary Proficient Developing
Content Accuracy & Depth (SLO1, SLO3, SLO4) Thorough, precise analysis demonstrating strong command of the chosen component with rich, relevant evidence. Solid analysis with generally accurate explanation and sufficient supporting evidence. Superficial or inaccurate coverage; limited evidence or descriptive rather than analytical.
Use of Legal/Policy References (SLO2, SLO5) Integrates multiple, well-chosen Supreme Court cases with insightful connections to practice and rights/safety balance. Includes appropriate cases with clear, mostly accurate connections to practice. Mentions cases without clear explanation or misapplies their relevance.
Critical Thinking & Future Insight (SLO6) Thoughtful evaluation of current issues and future trends with implications well articulated. Addresses issues and trends with some evaluative commentary. Limited or speculative commentary; trends not clearly linked to argument.
Organization & Clarity (SLO1–SLO4) Logical structure, smooth transitions, clear thesis and conclusion; highly readable. Generally organized with minor lapses; thesis and conclusion present. Disorganized sections; unclear purpose; weak or missing thesis/conclusion.
APA Format & Mechanics Error-free APA style; precise in-text citations and references; polished grammar and tone. Minor APA or mechanical errors that do not impede clarity. Frequent APA or mechanical errors that distract or reduce credibility.
Formatting & Submission Parameters
  • APA: 7th edition. Title and Reference pages required and not counted in page length.
  • Length: 4–5 pages of content, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt, 1-inch margins.
  • Sources: At least three scholarly sources; 10–15% direct quotations.
  • File type: .docx or .pdf unless otherwise specified.
  • Submission: Upload to course dropbox by the syllabus deadline.
Acceptable & Ethical Use of AI

You may use AI tools for brainstorming, outlining, or grammar checks. If you do, include a brief AI Acknowledgment at the end of your paper describing how AI supported your process. For example: “Generated outline; I revised and wrote all content; all citations verified by me.” Do not use AI to fabricate sources or write the paper for you. You are responsible for the accuracy of all citations and the originality of your work.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
  • 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: police, courts, and 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.