Assignment

OVERVIEW For this project, you'll select news articles relating to the US court system and write a thoughtful analysis of the articles. THE PROJECT This project consists of three parts. First, you need to locate two news articles from the Internet or a print newspaper, magazine, or journal relating to the US court system, civil or criminal. Be sure it comes from a reputable source. The article can be a report about a case in your hometown or across the country, a problem with the courts or any court personnel (judge, prosecutor, public defender), a discussion about a constitutional issue, such as the appeal process, or anything else related to the court system.

Make sure you include with each article the citation identifying the source for the article. Any citation form that will allow the reader to locate the article will be acceptable. The article must be on a topic and containing an issue that will allow you to accomplish the remainder of the project. Second, you need to read each article and write a summary of each article.

The size of the summary will vary with the size of the article and the topic. The summary for each article, though, must be at least two paragraphs long. Remember that the summary must be in your own words. Any plagiarism will be grounds for failing the project. Last, analyze the issue(s) presented in each article. Be sure to address all of the following questions for each article:

1. Do you agree with the writer or the outcome? Why or why not?

2. Are any questions left unanswered by the article? How would you answer those questions?

3. Is the article presented in a fair and unbiased manner? If not, from what position do you believe the author is writing the article?

Include a copy of each article with your written summary and analysis when you submit the project for grading.

Make sure your name, student number, and project number are included on all files submitted.