Current Event Writing Assignment:
Students are expected to keep a journal on current issues related to the criminal justice system.
Each student will be required to compile a journal of their readings on current events (nothing over 6 months old) in the criminal justice field, specific to criminal law issues in the news. The journal will include the original article and a student summary of the article on its applications to class material. Students must have a minimum of 5 entries by the final due date. DO NOT simply rehash or summarize the article. DO NOT CHOOSE ARTICLES THAT SIMPLY PROVIDE A SUMMARY OF AN EVENT. THE ARTICLE SHOULD HAVE A POINT OF VIEW. Students must think about the event that is described and use that as a springboard for intelligent commentary.
The summary needs to include the following:
- Summary of the article
- Do you agree or disagree with the article? Why or why not? (without using the words “I think”)- It is important to note that finding articles that simply state facts are not appropriate for this assignment. The articles must relate to a substantive issue that requires critical analysis in your entry.
- Discuss what effect the issue(s) may have on the Criminal Justice System or Society.
- Apply something that you learned in the readings or in discussions to the article.