ASSIGNMENTS
There will be thirteen (13) homework assignments in this course. Each homework assignment will vary in its point value, with most being worth 75 points each. Homework assignments must be typed, 12 font size, double-spaced, and between 1-2 full pages in length. Students must submit their finished homework assignments by uploading them to Canvas on or before the due date, unless otherwise instructed by the instructor. Correct spelling and proper grammar are expected in all assignments. The instructor has discretion to dock points for the use of improper grammar, spelling errors, incomplete or run-on sentences, etc.
Discussions
There will be seven (7) discussion prompts, one for each module (not including the final exam module). These discussion prompts will require the student to discuss a particular prompt with their peers via a discussion board. Each discussion prompt will be worth fifty (50) points, and a student will be required to respond to the particular prompt, as well as comment on other students’ responses for that particular prompt, in order to receive full credit for each prompt.
Persuasive Essay
Students will be required to write a four to five (4-5) page, double spaced, persuasive/opinion essay on one of the following criminal law topics: 1) With arguably high recidivism rates for criminal offenders, is the criminal justice system broken and in need of reform? Or does the problem lie with the individuals and not with the system/culture of criminal justice? Is it a combination?; 2) Much like prohibition did with alcohol, the war on drugs has failed to curb drug use/offenses in society, and arguably, has increased drug-related violence, deaths, and wealthy cartels profiting off society’s drug-induced demise. Is the war still worth fighting, or are there other options/answers to combat the continual drug epidemic in our society?; and 3) Is the adage “innocent until proven guilty” an accurate representation of today’s criminal justice system? Or does our current society demand that one prove his/her innocence? The persuasive essay is worth four hundred fifty (450) points and will be due on or before 25 April 2022, at 11:59PM, and must be uploaded to Canvas on or before that date.
Quizzes
There will be twelve (12) quizzes in this course. Each quiz will consist of ten (10) multiple-choice questions, worth five (5) points each, making each quiz worth fifty (50) points. Students will have thirty (30) minutes and one (1) attempt to complete each quiz, unless otherwise instructed by the instructor. Quizzes must be submitted no later than the assigned due date. The quizzes will be open-book and students may use their textbook, notes, etc., to complete the quiz.
Exams
There will be two (2) exams in this class, the Mid-Term Exam and the Final Exam. Each exam will be worth three hundred (300) points. The Mid-Term Exam will cover chapters 1-6, while the Final Exam will cover chapters 7-12.