Law and Order

We completed Unit 2 and discussed various types of police encounters and searches. We examined consensual encounters, stop and frisk, reasonable suspicion, and probable cause. These law enforcement actions and legal terms have a dramatic effect on the admissibility of evidence and protection of people’s liberties. There are particular moments during an encounter, search, and/or arrest that can determine whether the act was legal or a violation of someone’s rights. Understanding the legal parameters law enforcement and other government officials operate under is crucial for understanding when someone’s liberties are being infringed upon. Also, it helps us understand how the courts’ attempt to balance the need to protect people from criminals while maintaining the liberties afforded to everyone by the U.S. Constitution.

Now that you are at the end of this unit it is time to take a look back and reflect on the information presented and what you learned about it.

Completes an essay containing the following information:

1. Detail what constitutes a legal consensual encounter, stop & frisk, and the main elements of a search warrant.

2. Detail what constitutes a legal search under the plain view doctrine, search incident to an arrest, and consent searches. Include what areas can be searched for each of the different types of searches.

3. Provide the definition of reasonable suspicion and probable cause, and provide an example of when each would be required. For example if we were discussing “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” you could say this is the standard required to find someone guilty at a trial.

Requirements
Write a 500-650 word reflection of your understanding of the topics discussed in Unit 1. Prepare your response in proper APA/MLA format and submit by the due date for full credit.
Submit your paper in doc. or docx. format as an attachment. Be advised that Canvas does not support “pages” documents and I can not grade what I can not open.
Grading Rubric

This assignment is worth 25 points. The following rubric will be used to grade your assignment.

Rubric
Unit 2 Reflection
Unit 2 Reflection
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Explain & Define
Explain how to conduct a legal consensual encounter, stop & frisk. reasonable arrest, and the main elements of a search warrant.
5.0 pts
Excellent
Provide factual accurate information for each of the four different areas. Information must be correct and meet the criteria for conducting each act in a legal manner.
0.0 pts
Needs Improvement
Not each point is discussed and clarified. The information provided is not accurate and/or vague.
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Searches
Define a plain view search, search incident to the arrest, and a consent search. Include what areas can be searched for each type of search.
5.0 pts
Excellent
Each type of search is clearly and accurately explained including what areas can be searched for each type of search. Information details how each search can be legally done.
0.0 pts
Needs Improvement
All three types of searches is not explained accurately and completely. What areas can be searched by officers is not provided for each type of search.
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Reasonable Suspicion & Probable Cause
Define reasonable suspicion and probable cause. Provide an example for when they are required.
5.0 pts
Excellent
Each term is accurately and completely defined. Each term has an accurate example for when the term would be required.
0.0 pts
Needs Improvement
Each term is not defined or the information provided is vague or incomplete. Examples of when each term would be required is not provided or inaccurate.
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Court Balancing
Provide your opinion of whether the courts’ desire to balance protecting the public with protecting people’s liberties. Is the courts one-sided?
5.0 pts
Excellent
Opinion is supported by sound reasoning and supported by ideas/thoughts.
0.0 pts
Needs Improvement
Opinion is not supported effectively and/or there is insufficient supporting ideas.
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Grammar
Grammar meets college standards. Paper was completed within the proper word count.
5.0 pts
Excellent
College level grammar was utilized and the paper falls within the proper word count.
0.0 pts
Needs Improvement
Poor grammar such as fragment sentences, improper punctuations, spelling errors, poor sentence structure, etc. Paper does not meet proper word count parameters.
5.0 pts.