Overview
In this assignment, you will create a research question to add to your ePortfolio.
Prompt
In your final course in the criminal justice program, you will create a research question that you will then investigate further. To assist you in this task, review the following list of current research topics covered in each course. Choose one of those topics (or another topic covered in this course) and create one to three research questions based on that topic. Then, submit the questions to your instructor.
This research question assignment is graded based on completion, and instructor feedback should help you strengthen your questions for future use. After you have submitted the questions to your instructor, upload them (and the list of potential topics below, if you wish) to your ePortfolio PDF.
Topics:
Exercising discretion in criminal justice decision making
Decision-making process and discretion
Integrity, authority, and discretionary power
Morality in the decision-making process
Discretionary decisions made by criminal justice professionals
Discretionary decisions in the different branches of criminal justice
Aspects of discretionary laws
Objective summaries
Discovery and discretion
Agency’s culture
Amount of discretion and decision-making process
Internal and external decision making
Specifically, the following rubric criteria must be addressed:
Submit one to three research questions based on a topic covered in this course.
Research Questions on Exercising Discretion in Criminal Justice Decision Making
How does the decision-making process and exercise of discretion in criminal justice affect the integrity and authority of professionals?
What role does morality play in the decision-making process and exercising discretion within the criminal justice system?
What factors influence the discretionary decisions made by criminal justice professionals, and how do these decisions vary across different branches of the criminal justice system?
Justification
These research questions focus on the topic of exercising discretion in criminal justice decision making, which is covered in this course. They aim to investigate various aspects of decision making within the criminal justice system and how discretion is utilized by professionals.
Question 1 explores the impact of decision-making and discretion on the integrity and authority of criminal justice professionals. It aims to understand how exercising discretion can potentially affect the perception of professionals and the trust placed in them.
Question 2 delves into the moral dimensions of decision making and discretion within the criminal justice system. It seeks to explore how individuals’ personal moral values may influence their decision-making process and the ethical considerations involved.
Question 3 investigates the factors that contribute to discretionary decisions made by criminal justice professionals, while also examining how these decisions may differ across different branches of the criminal justice system. This question aims to identify potential variations in decision-making practices based on the specific context in which professionals operate.
By exploring these research questions, a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding exercising discretion in criminal justice decision making can be gained. This knowledge can contribute to improving the decision-making process within the criminal justice system, enhancing professionalism, and ensuring fairness and justice for all parties involved.