New Research Proposal for Introduction to Criminal Justice
Class,
There is a research paper assignment for this class, and the topic is Bail Reform. That is an important topic, but it is a topic I have had there for a couple of years and, honestly, is it not the most exciting topic in the world.
So, I am proposing we try a new topic. If you have already started on Bail Reform or even if you haven’t started but want to do it on that, that is fine, you can still do that.
We have been having an interesting discussion on DNA evidence, its uses, its existence, etc., in my Court Systems and Practices class (CRIJ 1306). I thought we could do the research on that. The assignment will still be worth the same points. What will be different is that I will help the class with sources, APA style, etc.
What I would do is set up another discussion board so that we can share what we find with each other. For example, if someone finds a source of information, share it with the class. We can validate the source, determine if it is the best source for that piece of data, and determine the correct citation and APA bibliography reference.
What kinds of questions would we be answering?
What DNA databases are in existence? In the U.S. or elsewhere in the world.
How many sources are in these databases? In other words, how many people’s DNA is actually “on file”?
How are the samples kept – stored?
What laws exist regulating the collection of DNA from people?
How many cold cases exist where law enforcement has “unknown” DNA as evidence? Can we determine that?
How do the genealogy websites work (terms of use), and how have law enforcement and private individuals used the databases to solve crimes?
When can law enforcement collect your DNA, and how? Search warrants?
There are more topics and questions which can be posed, but I think you guys get the idea. So, for example, I posted a link for an FBI FAQ page on CODIS in a discussion board post I made to my students in 1306 (https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/dna-fingerprint-act-of-2005-expungement-policy/codis-and-ndis-fact-sheet). I can provide help with how to source that data and create a proper in-text citation as below. I can also help with some basics of writing a research paper – paraphrasing, quoting, etc.
(Federal Bureau of Investigation, n.d.)
Federal Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). CODIS and NDIS Fact Sheet [Page]. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Retrieved January 24, 2023, from https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/dna-fingerprint-act-of-2005-expungement-policy/codis-and-ndis-fact-sheet