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Northern Essex Community College

Module 8 Prep Activity

Review the activity overview, learning objectives, directions, and submission expectations before submitting your work.

Overview

This activity is designed to help you examine the role of plea bargaining within the criminal justice system and its impact on due process. You will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of plea bargaining and consider how it affects efficiency, fairness, and the rights of defendants. The activity also asks you to reflect on your own views regarding the use of plea agreements and whether they promote equity or replace the traditional fact-finding process. In addition, you will explore the meaning of due process and how it relates to plea bargaining practices. The goal is to encourage critical thinking about fairness, efficiency, and constitutional protections within the courts.

Learning Objectives

(These objectives support the prep activity and are not the questions to be answered.)

  • LO1: Explain the criminal court process, including the use of plea bargains and how these impact the criminal justice system and society. (SLO3)
  • LO2: Define the term Due Process. (SLO4)
Prep Topic

After completing this week’s assigned readings, prepare to participate in an in-class discussion examining the role of plea bargaining in the American criminal justice system.

Before coming to class, prepare a bulleted list (not full paragraphs) that includes:

  • A definition of plea bargaining and its purpose within the criminal justice system.
  • At least three advantages of plea bargaining. At least three disadvantages of plea bargaining.
  • An explanation of the concept of due process and why it is important in criminal proceedings.
  • At least three arguments supporting the position that plea bargains promote fairness and efficiency within the criminal justice system.
  • At least three arguments supporting the position that plea bargaining undermines the fact-finding process and the principles of due process.
  • Which position you currently find more persuasive, and why.
  • One question or observation you would like to discuss with your classmates.
Acceptable & Ethical Use of AI
  • Use AI to help you organize the key advantages and disadvantages of plea bargaining discussed in the course materials so you can clearly structure your response before writing.
  • Use AI to assist you in clarifying the concept of due process and thinking through how plea bargaining may support or challenge due process, helping you frame your analysis before completing the activity.
Directions

Please read all instructions carefully before submitting your prep activity.

  • Your prep should be no longer than one page.
  • This is not a paper; it should consist of concise talking points and bullet statements for our in-class discussion.
  • An abstract is not required.
  • Sources are not required.
  • Focus on key concepts, analysis, and examples that will help guide classroom discussion.
  • Do not overthink this activity. A simple list of well-developed talking points is sufficient.
Submission Guidelines
  • Submit your prep activity through the designated submission area.
  • Accepted formats include Word or PDF unless otherwise specified.
  • Review the grading rubric before submitting your work.
  • Submissions are checked using both a plagiarism checker and AI detection software.
  • Direct quotations should not exceed 15% of the total submission.
Important Reminder

Important: All work must be your own. AI may be used only in the limited and ethical ways described above. Using AI to write your submission is considered academic dishonesty. This activity is intended to prepare you for class discussion, so focus on creating your own talking points and analysis.