Class Project
The Class Project is a semester-long project designed to engage you in the criminal justice process so that you can effectively apply course principles to the real world situations they relate to. The project is comprised of a mock crime and a mock trial, with all of the necessary preparations in between.
Each student will choose a role to play and will participate in the criminal justice and legal systems as that role.
On Class Project Days you will meet with your groups. Each role is listed with a particular group.
Law Enforcement Group:
The Courts Group:
The Jury Group:
The Attorneys Group (each side will typically meet together, with their witnesses):
The Media Group:
What Role Should You Choose?
Read through the role requirements and responsibilities for each role. Evaluate what your interests are, career aspirations, time commitment, and what just sounds like fun. Each role is important for the success of the project and so each person should be motivated and excited about his or her role.
You've Chosen Your Role--What's Next?
When you meet with your group the first time, exchange contact information and review the resource book.
When Do We Get to Work on the Project?
In class on Class Project Days noted on the course calendar.
Outside of class as necessary (and it will be necessary)
How Will I be Graded?
You will be graded on the project based on the products you turn in for it:
Role Resource Binder: 200 pts
Your Role Resource binder has two components: (1) it organizes and summarizes materials specifically relevant to the crime you are working on. This section is mostly for ME to grade your participation in the role and your contribution to this project; and (2) it provides generic (not case specific) information about your role and how to conduct your role. This section is mostly for the next group of students in this course (though you will be graded by me on it completeness and ease of use).
Part I: Summarizes your role, your experiences, and organizes your work from the semester on this project. This portion of the binder should include: (1) a welcome note for the next student with your role; (2) an overview of your role (who, what, when, where, why, how); (3) how-to information for your role; (4) a log, timeline, or other way of documenting what you did for your role, and when; (5) your Trial Experience paper; (6) your Reflection notes; (7) your Individual Webpage Update; (8) and ANYTHING else you have done to prepare for your role (e.g., opening statements, questions and answers, etc, etc). You may also include a section on recommendations for changes in the project or your role.
Part II: This section should include: (1) relevant forms; (2) timelines; (3) lists of supplies/equipment; (4) helpful resources (e.g., websites); and anything else you think will help the next group do their roles better (e.g., a disk or cd with electronic files, etc).
Presentation matters! Your binder or folder should look professional and be well organized.
IF YOU ARE A JUROR: your role resource binder will ONLY include Part I and will be worth 150 points. As a group, you will construct ONE binder to compile the information for Part II. Please include a duplicate welcome note from Part I (from each of you) to include in this Part II binder. This will be a group grade and will be worth 50 points.
Individual Webpage Update: 10 pts
Each role has an individual webpage with some resources on it (linked above through the title of your role). You should improve on this page by including resources and information, images, etc, to make your page better, more informative, more user friendly, and more attractive. We will have lab time to construct the pages.
Real Court/Trial Experience: 50 pts
Every student is required to gain some real court/trial experience and write a 3 page summary of this experience. You may attend any court proceeding at the Black Hawk County Courthouse (319-833-3003), or your own hometown courthouse. Jury selection or a jury trial are ideal experiences, however, any court/trial experience will be acceptable.
This summary is due Tue 11/21. Turn it in hard copy. When it is returned to you, add it to your binder.
Mock Trial Reflection Notes: 30 pts (10 pts per trial day)
IF YOU ARE A GALLERY MEMBER, during each trial day you are required to take notes reflecting on your experience that day . Please include your name and the date. Turn them into the TA at the end of each trial day.
IF YOU ARE THE JUDGE, AN ATTORNEY, THE BAILIFF, OR A MEMBER OF THE MEDIA, YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO TAKE NOTES DURING THE ACTUAL TIME WE ARE IN CLASS--YOU HAVE OTHER WORK YOU ARE DOING! BUT PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU DO WRITE UP A PARAGRAPH OR SO EACH TRIAL DAY TO INCLUDE AS YOUR REFLECTION NOTES.
If you are a juror you may turn in the notes you are taking as a juror. You can add commentary/reflections to these if you wish. All notes will be returned prior to deliberation (for the jurors to use in their deliberations if they so wish, and if allowed by the judge). If you are not allowed to take notes (by determination of the judge) then after trial EACH day you should write a paragraph or so reflecting on what went on that day.
All students should include their notes in their binders.
When is All of This Due?
Some of the individual components have their own due dates (Real Court/Trial Experience, and Reflection Notes, see above). The finalized, completed Role Resource Binder is due by 4:30pm on Thurs 12/14 in Baker Hall Room 344 OR 334 if I am not in my office.