LEA+Research+Topics

**C. Heckstall, Asst. Principal**
=Final Project=


 * Below is a list of topics for your research project. All students enrolled in // HLE2- Criminal // // Justice // or // HLE4- Criminology //must complete this portfolio project. Attached, you will find guidelines and a rubric for the completion of the project. Please read through each topic of the topics and select the topic you will work on for this project. Students selecting the same research topic will work together as a group and present their information on display boards during the first week in June. The final project must be ready for display by June 1, 2007.**

Topic #1: Prison Life

 * a) Select a maximum or medium security prison. Describe the facility and inmate population. **
 * b) Describe the daily life of a prisoner. **
 * c) Compare and contrast the lives of female inmates and male inmates. **

Suggestions on type of research:


 * a) Provide description of prison selected. Use of the internet to obtain statistical information on prison location, population, etc. **
 * b) Visuals: pictures of prisons, prisoners, correction officers, cells and cell blocks. **



Topic #2: Probation and Parole


 * a) What is probation? How is it different from parole? **
 * b) Why are some individuals given probation as part of his/her sentence? **
 * c) What type of information is gathered by parole boards when considering inmates for parole. **
 * d) What are the different types of parole? **

Suggestions on type of research:


 * a) Interview: a recent parolee, a person on probation, probation officer, and parole officer. **

 b) Opinion poll/survey: Should the parole system be abolished? Should members of a community be able to block the building of a prison in their neighborhood?

Topic #3: Punishment or Rehabilitation or Both?

 * a) What are the various types of punishment? **
 * b) Why are some convicted persons enrolled in rehabilitation programs (drug/alcohol abuse)? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) What are some of the alternatives to incarceration? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">d) Does the prison system rehabilitate convicted persons? **

Suggestions on type of research:


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Opinion poll/survey: Does prison rehabilitate prisoners or ensure future criminal activity? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Read/survey of various facilities. **

<span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">

Topic #4: History and Development of Forensic Science

 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) What is the early history of forensic science? How has the field of forensic science developed over the years? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) What are some the various career opportunities in forensic science? What are some of the requirements for obtaining these positions? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) How does the work of forensic scientists affect the criminal justice system? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">d) Organization of a crime lab. **

Suggestions on type of research:


 * (continued on next page)**
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Read/review books on the history of forensic science. **


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Research the various occupations that are related to forensic science. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Interview: a person working in the field of forensic science and law enforcement. **

<span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> <span style="border: none; margin-left: .25in; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">d) Develop a layout of a crime lab.

Topic #5: The Crime Scene


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Processing the crime scene. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Legal consideration of the crime scene. Preserving and assessing the crime scene. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Physical evidence- Common types, processing, and significance of the evidence. **

Suggestions on type of research:
 * <span style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-list: l18 level1 lfo10; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Reviewing and critiquing videos on crime scene preservation and analysis. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Analyzing evidence—identify and explain types of evidence. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Developing and presenting a miniature, interactive crime scene. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">d) Develop a slide-show (power point) presentation of evidence collected. **

<span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">

Topic #6: Controversial Issues Surrounding the NYPD

 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Excessive use of force. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Racial profiling. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) NYPD portrayed in the media—high profile cases. **

Suggestions on type of research:


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Investigate issues of racial profiling. What is it? Why are some police officers using racial profiling as an investigation tool? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Provide examples of excessive use of force by officers. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Spotlight on the Diallo and Louima cases. Provide a follow-up of the cases. **

<span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">

Topic #7: Rights of the Accused

 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Constitutional protections of the accused—Amendments 4, 5, 6, 8 and 14. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) How have the courts interpreted and applied these rights? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Applying the rights of the accused to the criminal justice system. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">d) Landmark constitutional cases: Miranda v. Arizona, Gideon v. Wainright, Mapp v. Ohio, Terry v. Ohio, etc. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">e) Conducting an arrest. **

Suggestions on type of research:


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Select one or more of the rights of the accused—interpret the amendments involved, show they have been applied. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Survey: Do suspects receive too many protections **

<span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> <span style="border: none; margin-left: .25in; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; mso-list: l21 level1 lfo14; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Complete a case brief on various cases.

Topic #8: Index Crimes

 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Identify and explain the index crimes. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Select 2-3 index crimes and explain the various degrees. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Develop a chart reflecting the severity of the crime and the accompanying punishment. **

Suggestions on type of research:


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Review New York State Penal Laws. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Explain the 12 factors of a capital crime. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Develop a chart explaining crimes and possible sentences. **

<span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">

Criminology

Topic#9: Organized crime


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Define organized crime and provide examples of criminal acts law enforcement officials recognize as organized crime. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Identify some of the earliest known ‘crime bosses’ and their alleged crimes. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Select one or more infamous case involving organized crime and explain the details of the case(s). **

<span style="display: block; margin-left: 3pt; margin-right: 0in; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">

Topic #10: The Method is…..Serial Killing


 * <span style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo18; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Identify some of the common patterns of behavior of serial killers. **
 * <span style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo18; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Discuss the possible common traits and/or background of some serial killers. **
 * <span style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo18; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Case study: select one or more serial killers and conduct an inside look at the killer and his crimes. **
 * <span style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo18; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">d) Outline investigations that have led up to the capturing of a serial killer. **

<span style="display: block; margin-left: 3pt; margin-right: 0in; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">

Topic #11: Drugs in America


 * <span style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l26 level1 lfo19; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) What is the definition of a drug? **
 * <span style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l26 level1 lfo19; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Drug use v. drug abuse. **
 * <span style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l26 level1 lfo19; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Select one category or group of drugs and identify names of drugs that belong to that group. **
 * <span style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l26 level1 lfo19; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">d) Identify the forms the drugs selected in question C may appear in. **
 * <span style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l26 level1 lfo19; tab-stops: list 21.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">e) Discuss the physical and psychological effects of the drugs. **

<span style="display: block; margin-left: 3pt; margin-right: 0in; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">

Topic #12: The War on Drugs


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) What is the war on drugs? What is the history of the war on drugs? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Discuss the initiatives taken and and/or proposed by politicians and law officials in fighting the war on drugs. (continued next page) **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Discuss the attacks on the supply and demand for drugs. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">d) Discuss the strict drug laws such as the Rockefeller and mandatory minimum sentencing laws. **

<span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">

Topic #13: Hate Crimes in America


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) What are hate crimes? Which acts are classified as hate crimes? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Discuss the role of pride and prejudice in the committing of hate crimes. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Who are the victims? Who are the assailants? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">d) How are hate crimes handled by the criminal justice system? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">e) Discuss how the U. S. Supreme Ct. has cleared the way for states to increase prison sentences for those convicted of hate crimes. **

<span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">

Topic #14: Gangs in America


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Definition of a gang…on the street ...by law enforcement official. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Identify some of the well known street gangs and their leaders. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Discuss the history of gangs in America. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">d) Identify and discuss some gang related activities and/or crimes. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">e) Identifying gang members- tattoos, clothing, slang, etc. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">f) Law enforcement and gangs. **

<span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">

Topic #15: Right to Bear Arms


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Discuss the connection between guns and crime. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Teenagers and guns- are our schools and communities safe? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Gun Control- do we need new regulations and restrictions on the sale and ownership of guns? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">d) Are guns for sport? Protection? Criminal activity? **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">e) Is it a Second Amendment right? **

<span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">

Topic #16: Careers in Criminal Justice

Positions:


 * Police officer *Private security officer *Defense attorney**
 * Correction officer *School safety agent *FBI agent**
 * Parole officer *Judge *Court officer**
 * Probation officer *Assistant District Attorney (Prosecutor)**

Suggestions on type of research:


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Provide descriptions of job, duties, responsibilities, requirements to obtain position, educational requirements. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Visuals: pictures of prominent figures in these positions. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Interview: a person in one of these positions. **

<span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">

Topic #17: New York City’s Criminal Justice System

Agencies:


 * Police Department**
 * New York State Criminal Courts**
 * New York State Division of Correctional Services**
 * New York State Division of Parole**

Suggestion on type of research:


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Explore the various components if the agencies. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Visuals: NYPD agency logos and badges. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Visuals: NYPD vehicles and helicopters. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">d) Visuals: Maps of the city and/or borough, show precinct boundaries, locations of police stations, court houses, houses of detention (jails). **

<span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">

Topic #18: New York City’s Crime Problem and Criminal Justice System in the News

News Clippings:


 * About crimes *New laws**
 * Falling crime rate *Parolees- registered offenders**
 * Major high profile trials *Controversies surrounding the NYPD- ex. Racial profiling**

Suggestions on type of research:


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Visuals: Collage of newspaper headlines, AP photos. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Soundtrack: audio clips of WINS, WCBS news broadcasts about crime and justice issues. **
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Written analyses of the news items (summary, identification of controversies, questions article raises) **

<span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">

Topic #19: Opinion Poll and Survey of Experiences about Crime and Justice NYC

Opinion:

Survey:
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Topics include: approval/disapproval of particular policies and proposals (e.g. support of opposition to the death penalty, gun control laws, registering of sex offenders) **


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Survey of experiences: Ever a victim? Ever turn to the police for help in any matters? **

Suggestions on type of research: **

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">a) Students develop poll/questionnaires. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">b) Students collect data, analyze data, illustrate findings, and write a report. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;">c) Use of mathematical skill: calculating percentages, developing pie diagrams and bar graphs.