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.