Assignment Overview:
Many aspects of the criminal justice system are represented in media. From Policing to Corrections examples are everywhere and they demonstrate aspects of procedural justice. For the purpose of this project, I want you to use a TV show or a Movie and focus one how one aspect of the criminal justice system (i.e., the police, courts, or corrections) is represented in media and compare it to current practices in the criminal justice system. To compare representation in media versus reality, use sources such as policy briefs, current events, or scholarly articles to prepare your analysis. This paper should be 3-5 pages in length, double-spaced, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, and in ASA format.
Assignment Details/Directions:
Page Length: 3-5 pages
- 1 page about the source of media you choose and what part of the criminal justice system you chose to focus on.
- 1 page about current practices in criminal justice (**this should be a summary as well**)
- 1–2-page comparison on how the criminal justice system is represented in media versus current practices. (Ex. Policing in media vs current policing practices)
- Reference Page should be attached
Some Example Media Sources:
| Movies | TV Shows |
| 21 Bridges | Law & Order |
| The Judge | Criminal Minds |
| Queen & Slim | Castle |
| Fruitvale Station | Mind Hunter |
| Training Day | Under the Banner of Heaven |
| The Hate You Give | How to Get Away with Murder |
| Shawshank Redemption | Scandal |
**Note no documentaries should be used for this comparison or docuseries**
Scholarly Resources:
Policy Brief Sources: Rand Corporation, Center for Court Innovation, Vera Institute of Justice, Prison Policy Initiative, Council on Criminal Justice, and Pew Research Center.
Scholarly Articles Resources: Libraries and Google Scholar
Current Event Sources: Local Papers
Media & The Criminal Justice System (Writing Assignment 1)
Due By 10/14/2022 at 11:59 PM)
| Rubric Objective: | Point Value: |
| Includes one page about the source of media you choose and what part of the criminal justice system you chose to focus on. (Ex. TV show/Movie) Set the scene for this part of the paper. Be descriptive and provide details on what the title of the movie/show is, the cast, airdate, and main characters). | 2 Points |
| Provides a media synopsis (This is a summary of what the episode or movie entails) | 2 Points |
| 1 page about current practices in criminal justice (**this should be a summary as well**) | 2 Points |
| 1–2-page comparison on how the criminal justice system is represented in media versus current practices. (Ex. Policing in media vs current policing practices) Use scholarly resources such as academic papers, news articles, and policy briefs. Describe the media portrayal vs the real-life portrayal.Reference page in ASA format should also be attached. Write in text citation as well to cite your ideas. ***Link to ASA formatting: ASA Format** ***No documentaries/docuseries should be used as your media source** | 4 Points |
