CJ230M4-4: Describe the elements that constitute a criminal act.

GEL-7.02: Identify the ethical issues within the field of Criminal Justice.

Elements of a Criminal Act

For this assessment, read the following scenario and then in a 2–3-page paper, answer the questions presented.

Scenario:

Patrice wanted to kill her mother-in-law, Kayla, so she hid behind a building and waited for her to get off the bus. When Kayla got off the bus, Patrice shot at her with her rifle, but missed and killed Angela, who was behind her. Patrice attempted to fire again at Kayla, but her rifle jammed and Patrice ran off.

Patrice’s attorney moved to dismiss the charge of the attempted murder of Kayla on the ground that Patrice could not have killed Kayla due to the malfunctioning of her rifle. The court granted the motion.

Was the court correct in dismissing the attempted murder charge? Be sure to identify and describe the elements of a criminal act (at least three) and address impossibility and distinguish if it is a complete or incomplete attempt.

Also address any ethical or moralistic concerns associated with allowing a criminal defendant to avoid criminal responsibility by successfully asserting a legal defense such as impossibility.

Answer the questions above in a 2–3-page paper (excluding cover and reference pages) in APA format.

Note: This Assessment will require outside research. Use at least two credible sources beyond the text material and discuss how you evaluated the credibility of the resources used. You may consult the Library, the Internet, the textbook, other course materials, and any other outside resources in supporting your task, using proper citations in APA style.

Touchstone 3.2: Draft an Argumentative Research Essay

ASSIGNMENT: Using your outline and annotated bibliography from Touchstones 1.2 and 2.2, draft a 6-8 page argumentative research essay on your chosen topic.

In order to foster learning and growth, all essays you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any recycled work will be sent back with a 0, and you will be given one attempt to redo the Touchstone.

As this assignment builds on Touchstone 2.2: Create an Annotated Bibliography, that Touchstone, as well as Touchstone 3.1, must be graded before you can submit your research essay draft.

Sample Touchstone 3

A. Assignment Guidelines

DIRECTIONS: Refer to the list below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.

1. Argumentative Thesis Statement

❒ Have you included a thesis in your introduction that takes a clear, specific position on one side of a debatable issue?

2. Argument Development

❒ Are all of the details relevant to the purpose of your essay?

❒ Is the argument supported using rhetorical appeals and source material?

❒ Is your essay 6-8 pages (approximately 1500-2000 words)? If not, which details do you need to add or remove?

3. Research

❒ Have you cited outside sources effectively using quotation, summary, or paraphrase techniques?

❒ Are the sources incorporated smoothly, providing the reader with signal phrases and context for the source information?

❒ Have you referenced a range of at least 7 credible sources?

❒ Have you properly cited your sources according to APA style guidelines?

❒ Have you included an APA style reference page below your essay?

4. Reflection

❒ Have you answered all reflection questions thoughtfully and included insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses?

❒ Are your answers included on a separate page below the main assignment?

B. Reflection

DIRECTIONS: Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.

1. Provide one example of a place where you have used rhetorical appeals or source material to support your argument. How does this enhance your essay? (2-3 sentences)
2. Touchstone 4 is a revision of this draft. What kind of feedback would be helpful for you as you revise? Are there parts of your draft that you’re uncertain of? (3-4 sentences)

Base on the attachment Provide a summary of your policies and procedures. For each one, briefly explain what inspired you to include it.

This is your opportunity to share information about your final deliverable with your classmates. Your policies and procedures have undoubtedly been influenced by your interactions with your foreign contact and your classmates and it will benefit everyone in the class to see the benefits of the interactions to this point.

First, watch the following video that you initially watched in Module 1:

INSTRUCTIONS

Provide a summary of your policies and procedures. For each one, briefly explain what inspired you to include it.

Be specific and give credit to your classmates as necessary. Besides seeing the policies and procedures of your peers, part of the reason for this discussion is to see how your interactions in this course have positively influenced people around you.

The comprehensive final exam draws from the assigned readings and other resources from Modules 1-8. You should also use additional resources to support your answers to the exam questions.

Answer each of the following questions using at least 250 words. Make sure you number each response to separate them from other answers:

1. Explain what is meant by the “war on drugs,” and analyze the impact this war has had on the American criminal justice system.
2. Discuss the effects drug policy enforcement has had upon special populations, as well as the arrest and incarceration rates for drug offenses in the United States.
3. Summarize how the three categories of criminological theory covered in class – biological, psychological, or sociological – explain drug use. Which category of theory do you think would be best used to develop new drug policies.
4. Select one or more of the the various criminal justice policies or responses to drug abuse and misuse. Explain which policy approach you think offers the best response to the drug problem. Support your response with cited and referenced sources.

Compose your work in a .doc or .docx file type using a word processor