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:
Final Paper: 100 pts
TBA
Individual Webpage Update: 25 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 Paper: 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 XXX. Turn it in hard copy.
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.