Exam Content
The criminal justice system is developed through public policy, which ensures a variety of checks and balances for all parties involved in a criminal justice case. You will demonstrate your understanding of due process and illustrate how it is applicable throughout the different subdomains of the criminal justice system.
As a victim’s advocate, you will assist victims of crime or their families by guiding them through criminal justice proceedings. In situations where you must explain a defendant’s right to due process, a clear understanding of the adjudication process will help you properly serve your clients.
Assessment Deliverable
Research criminal trials in the United States with convictions (e.g., Aaron Hernandez, Jodi Arias, Drew Peterson, Amber Guyger). Select one case to address in your presentation.
Create a 10- to 12-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation about your chosen case, illustrating how criminal justice policy and due rights processes were applied as the case was processed throughout the 3 subdomains of the criminal justice system (law enforcement, courts, corrections).
Audience: Your presentation will be given in a workshop for newly hired victim’s advocates.
Consider the following examples of policies and procedures in criminal justice as you create your presentation:
Bail guidelines
Jury selection/jury duty/jury instructions/jury deliberations
Plea bargaining
Sentencing guidelines
Truth in sentencing
Verdict/mistrial
Capital punishment
Appeals process
Include the following in your presentation:
Case Overview: Describe your selected case from arrest to sentencing and appeal (if applicable).
What was the legal basis for making the arrest?
What were the trial steps/phases of the case (e.g., jury selection, presentation of evidence, deliberation)?
If the defendant appealed, what level of court was involved in the appeal?
Criminal Justice Policy and/or Procedures: Provide 2 examples of a criminal justice policy or procedure that had a significant impact on the case in one or more of the criminal justice system subdomains.
Due Process: Explain how the due process model was applied in at least 2 subdomains of the criminal justice system (law enforcement, courts, corrections).
Relationships Between Subdomains: Explain how police, the courts, and corrections work together to process cases in the criminal justice system. Explain how each of these subdomains influenced the other in the selected case.
Include relevant images to support your ideas.
Notes: Use of images is encouraged but not required. The slide count does not include the title, conclusion, or reference list slides.
Cite 2 scholarly sources in addition to the textbook.
Format any citations in your presentation according to APA guidelines.
