Victims’ Rights
Course
Law
Enforcement I
Rationale
Students in law enforcement will encounter victims of crime and need to be able to
relay to the victims the rights afforded them under state and federal laws.
Unit VII
Victims’ Rights
Objectives
The student will be able to:
1. Analyze the rights of victims of crimes and witnesses to crime laws, such as
the Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982, the Victim’s of Crime Act of
1984, the Victim’s Rights and Restitution Act, the Child Victim’s Bill of Rights
of 1990, and the Victim Rights Clarification Act of 1997.
2. Research state and federal laws related to the witness protection program.
Essential
Question
What rights
are afforded to
the victims of
crime?
TEKS
§130.293(c)
(8)(A)(B)
Prior Student
Learning
None
Estimated
Time
3 hours
Engage
Show students the Victim’s Voices-Constitutional Amendment Video at
http://archive.org/details/gov.doj.ncj.213808.
Use the following questions for a class discussion:
1. What is the importance of victims’ rights?
2. What are the main points of the video?
3. Why is it important for victims to have a voice?
4. Does the Criminal Justice system favor victims or offenders?
Discuss the injustices talked about in this video.
Upon completion of the discussion above, divide the class into two groups to
debate the following question: Should the U.S. Constitution be amended to
address/regulate victims’ rights, or should each state be allowed to adopt it’s own
victims’ rights laws? Use the Discussion Rubric and Debate Rubric as needed for
assessment.
Key Points
I. Laws Affecting Victims’ Rights
A. Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982
1. Protects and assists victims and witnesses of federal crimes
a) Allows for Victim Impact Statements at sentencing,
including information about the financial, psychological, or
physical harm suffered by the victim
b) Provides restitution for the victims
c) Prevents victims or witnesses from being intimidated by
threatening verbal harassment
d) Establishes penalties for retaliation against testifying
e) Provides victims with notification of criminal proceedings
(1) Arrest of accused
(2) Times of court appearances
(3) Release and detention of accused
(4) Victim’s opportunity to address sentencing court
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(5)
Consultation of victims at proposed dismissals and
plea negotiations
f) No disclosure of name and address of witnesses and
victims
B. Victims of Crime Act of 1984
1. Created federal victims’ compensation account funded by fines
assessed in federal criminal convictions
2. Established provisions to assist state programs that compensated
victims of crime
3. Established crime victims’ fund collected through U.S. convictions
4. Distributed U.S. funds to the states
5. Losses not covered
a) Stolen or damaged property
b) Pain and suffering
c) Crime scene cleanup
d) Relocation
e) House payments
f) Rent
g) Utilities
h) Food or clothing costs
i) Tuition reimbursement
j) Monetary losses from investment schemes
6. Created crime victims’ legal assistance grants
a) Director may issue grants to institutions to develop,
establish, and maintain programs for enforcement of crime
victims’ rights to the following entities
(1) States
(2) Tribal and local prosecutor’s offices
(3) Law enforcement
(4) Courts
(5) Jails and correctional institutions
7. Established crime victims’ rights – the right to
a) Be reasonably protected from the accused
b) Reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of public
proceedings involving the crime, or any release or escape
of the accused
c) Not be excluded from any such public proceeding
d) Be reasonably heard at any public proceeding involving
release, plea, or sentencing
e) Confer with the attorney for the government in the case
f) Full and timely restitution as provided by law
g) Be free from unreasonable delay in proceedings
h) Be treated with fairness and respect for the victim’s dignity
and privacy
C. Victims’ Rights and Restitution Act of 1990
1. Was introduced in a session of Congress, but was not enacted
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2. Requires all federal law enforcement agency officers and
employees to make their best efforts to accord victims of crime
with the right to
a) Be treated with fairness and respect for the victim's dignity
and privacy
b) Be protected from their accused offenders
c) Notification of court proceedings
d) Attend public court proceedings related to the offense
under certain conditions
e) Confer with the government attorney assigned to the case
f) Restitution
g) Information about the conviction, sentencing,
imprisonment, and release of the offender
3. Directs federal law enforcement agency heads to designate the
persons responsible for identifying the victims of a crime and
providing certain services to such victims such as
a) Informing them where to receive medical care and
counseling
b) Arranging protection from an offender
c) Keeping the victim informed of developments during the
investigation and prosecution of the crime and after the
trial such as the arrest of a suspected offender or an
escape of a convicted offender
4. Revises federal criminal code provisions regarding orders of
restitution
5. Requires federal courts to order convicted criminals to pay
restitution to cover the full amount of the victim's losses without
consideration of the economic circumstances of the offender or
the fact that a victim has received or is entitled to receive
compensation with respect to a loss from other sources (currently
orders of restitution are discretionary)
6. Authorizes federal courts to order restitution for any person who,
as shown by a preponderance of the evidence, was harmed
physically, emotionally, or pecuniarily by the unlawful conduct of
the defendant during the crime
7. Amends the federal bankruptcy code to prevent orders of
restitution from being discharged as a result of bankruptcy
D. Child Victims’ Bill of Rights of 1990 – the right to
1. Have proceedings explained in simple terms
2. Have a victim’s advocate present at prosecutorial or defense
interviews (if the child is a victim of sexual assault, violent crimes,
or child abuse)
3. A secure waiting area and a support person during court
4. Not have name, address, or photo released to any agency outside
of the criminal justice system
5. Allow an advocate to inform the court of the child’s ability to
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understand the proceedings
6. Allow the advocate to make a recommendation to the prosecutor
about the child’s ability to cooperate with the prosecution and the
potential effects of the prosecution upon the child
7. Provide information and referrals to agencies to assist the child
and the family in dealing with the emotional impact of the crime
and legal proceedings
8. Allow an advocate to be present in court to provide emotional
support for the child during testimony
9. Inform the court as to the need to have other supportive persons
present during the child’s testimony
10. Allow law enforcement agencies to enlist the services of other
professional staff trained to interview child victims
E. Victim Rights Clarification Act of 1997 (VRCA)
1. Clarifies the existing federal law that allows victims to attend a trial
and appear as an impact witness during the special sentencing
phase for capital and noncapital crimes
2. The victim cannot be prevented from attending a federal criminal
trial based on the fact that he or she is expected to testify at the
sentencing phase of the trial
3. The victims of crimes can include family members of deceased
victims, and permits certain family members to be present during
capital trials
F. Crime Victims’ Compensation Act
1. Accrues money from the following sources
a) State court costs
b) Parole fees of $8/month
c) Donations
d) Subrogation
e) Federal Victims of Crime Act grants
f) Restitution
2. Benefits payable up to $50,000 with an additional benefit of
$75,000 for permanent disability
3. Eligibility
a) Crime occurs in Texas
b) Victim resides in Texas
c) Crime must be reported within a reasonable amount of
time
d) Victim must file for benefits within 3 years of the date of
the crime
e) Claim may be reduced/denied if the victim has not
cooperated with the investigation/criminal proceedings
II.
Witness Protection Program
A. Introduced in 1970 in the Organized Crime Control Act
B. Relocation and protection of witness(es) or potential witness(es)
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C. Protected against intimidation before they testify, or criminal retaliation
after they testify
D. Relocated and provided with new identities and documents
E. Protection provided by U.S. Marshals for the security, health, and safety
of the witnesses
F. Protection provided for the witnesses and their immediate dependents
G. Testimony against drug traffickers, terrorists, organized crime, and other
major crimes
H. Amended by the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984
I. Relocated persons can have no contact with persons from their past
J. U.S. Code Title 18, Part II, Ch 224, Sec 3521 Witness Relocation and
Protection (http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/18C224.txt)
1. Administered by the Attorney General
2. Persons protected
a) Provides relocation and protection for the federal and the
state government
b) Protects witnesses to organized crime, serious offense of
violence directed at witness in Offenses under Ch. 73, and
state offenses similar in nature
c) Protection and relocation of the witnesses and their
immediate families or persons otherwise closely
associated, or persons who may be endangered on
account of the participation of the witnesses in the judicial
proceedings
3. Provisions
a) Provide suitable documents to enable a person to
establish a new identity or otherwise protect the person
b) Provide housing
c) Provide transportation of household furniture and other
personal property to the new residence
d) Provide payment of basic living expenses
e) Provide employment assistance
f) Provide payment of medical expenses/care
g) Provide job training
h) Provide other service necessary to assist the person in
being self-sustaining
4. Disclosure
a) Weigh the danger against the benefit of disclosure before
disclosing the location/identity of the protected person
b) With a court order, and without delay, disclosure to
officials includes
(1) Identity
(2) Location
(3) Criminal records
(4) Fingerprints
c) A request is made because
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(1)
(2)
The protected person is under investigation or
Has been arrested/charged with a crime of
violence or
(3) Has been arrested/charged with an offense
punishable by more than one year in prison
d) Provide the confidential identity/location of the person who
is subject to the regulation requirements as a convicted
offender
5. Prior to protection, the Attorney General obtains information to
determine the suitability of the person for the program
a) Criminal history
b) Psychological evaluation
c) Written assessment
(1) Need for the testimony is weighed against the risk
of danger
(2) Alternatives to protection are evaluated
(3) Determine if testimony from other sources can be
secured
(4) Determine the importance of the testimony
(5) Weigh whether or not protection would infringe
upon the relationship between a child being
relocated and his or her parents not being
protected
(6) Will not protect if the potential for harm to innocent
victims outweighs the need for a person’s
testimony
d) Prior to program entry a memorandum of responsibilities is
presented to the witness. A memorandum is completed for
each person 18 years of age and older
(1) The witness must agree to the following:
(a) To testify and provide information to law
enforcement
(b) To commit no crime
(c) To take all of the necessary steps to avoid
detection by others
(d) To comply with all reasonable requests of
the government providing the protection
(e) To comply with legal obligations and civil
judgments
(f) To designate another to be an agent for
service of the process
(g) To make a sworn statement of all legal
obligations, including child custody and
visitation
(h) To disclose any parole and probation
responsibilities
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(i)
(2)
(3)
To inform the government of activities and
current address
The government may provide temporary protection
if the threat of harm is imminent
The government may terminate the protection for a
breach of the memorandum
III. Texas Laws for Witness Protection
A. Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)
1. Keeps the address confidential
2. Provides a substitute PO Box and free mail forwarding
3. Allows the PO Box address to be used for Driver’s license, voter
registration, and school registration
4. Agencies that are not required to accept ACP addresses
a) Banks
b) Credit companies
c) Private utilities companies
B. Eligibility requirements
1. Victims of family violence, sexual assault, or stalking
2. A member of the participant’s household
3. Must keep the address confidential
4. Victim must meet with the advocate to develop a safety plan
5. Must be a Texas resident or a victim that is relocating to Texas
C. The application process
1. The victim must meet with a local domestic violence shelter,
sexual assault center, law enforcement agent, or prosecutor to
discuss the safety plan
2. The safety plan is a checklist used to assess the risk and identify
the actions that increase safety for the victims
a) The safety plan includes
(1) Important telephone numbers for law enforcement,
help lines, and community resources
(2) An outline with specific strategies for avoiding the
offender and for getting help when needed
b) Must be renewed every three years
c) Must notify the Office of the Attorney General of an
address change 10 days prior to moving
D. Disclosure of address
1. Law Enforcement
2. Department of Family Protective Services
3. Department of State Health
E. Cancellation of benefits
1. Knowingly makes a false statement on the application
2. Forwarded mail is undeliverable at least four times
3. If the name or the true residence address is changed and
notification is not sent 10 days prior to moving
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Activities
1. Victim Impact Statements. Have students read about Victim Impact
Statements (VIS) at http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/Main.aspx. Then have
students research and select a crime and then write a VIS based on the
crime they choose; whose voice they write it from is optional. Then have the
students read their VIS to the rest of the class who will act as jurors. The
students acting as jurors will make a sentencing judgment based on the VIS
presented to them. Use the Victim Impact Statement: Persuasive Essay
Rubric for assessment.
2. Witness Protection Program Brochure. Have students research state and
federal witness protection programs. Then have each student create a
brochure outlining the Witness Protection Program. Have students imagine
that their brochure will be given to victims who are in danger and need to be
placed in the program. It should be informative and reassuring. Use the
Witness Protection Program Brochure Rubric for assessment.
3. Video Discussion (optional). Watch and discuss videos related to Victims’
Rights. Do find videos do an Internet search for the following:
 2009 NCVRW Theme video
 Witness Protection Program video
Assessments
Victims’ Rights Exam and Key
Victim Impact Statement: Persuasive Essay Rubric
Witness Protection Program Brochure Rubric
Debate Rubric
Discussion Rubric
Writing Rubric
Materials
Victims’ Rights computer-based presentation
Computers with Internet access
Brochure materials (computers with desktop publishing software or paper, colored
pencils, etc.)
Resources
Missouri Department of Public Safety www.dps.mo.gov/dir/programs/cvsu/voca.asp
National Criminal Justice Reference Service
https://www.ncjrs.gov/ovc_archives/ncvrw/2008/pdf/landmarks.pdf
The Attorney General of Texas, Crime Victim Services www.oag.state.tx.us/victims
The National Center for Victims of Crime http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/Main.aspx
H.R. 5368 (101st): Victims’ Rights and Restitution Act of 1990
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/101/hr5368
Voices of Victims: Constitutional Amendment (9:48 minutes)
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http://archive.org/details/gov.doj.ncj.213808
Do an Internet search for the following:
 library index victims of crime federal actions
 Child Victims Bill of Rights; Kitsap County, Washington
 Andrew Alpert
 legal dictionary free
 2009 NCVRW Theme video
 Witness Protection Program video
Accommodations for Learning Differences
For reinforcement, students will research each of the laws discussed to gain a
better understanding of each of them. Students may create a timeline establishing
the progression in Victims’ Rights. Use the Writing Rubric for assessment.
For enrichment, students will write their own Victims’ Rights law that will impact
Victim’s Rights as we know them. The new bill needs to include a specific need of
the victims and address how that need can be resolved. Use the Writing Rubric for
assessment.
State Education Standards
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education
§130.293. Law Enforcement I (One to Two Credits).
(8)
The student analyzes law related to victims and witnesses. The
student is expected to:
(A)
analyze the rights of victims of crimes and witnesses to crime
laws such as the Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982,
the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, the Victim's Rights and
Restitution Act, the Child Victims' Bill of Rights of 1990, and the
Victim Rights Clarification Act of 1997; and
(B)
research the state and federal laws related to the witness
protection program.
College and Career Readiness Standards
English/Language Arts Standards
V. Research
C. Produce and design a document.
1. Design and present an effective product.
2. Use source material ethically.
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Name_______________________________
Date_______________________________
Victims’ Rights Exam
1) _____The law that made it possible for victims to prepare and present a Victim Impact
Statement that includes financial, psychological, or physical harm suffered by a victim
at sentencing is the
a) Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982
b) Victims of Crime Act of 1984
c) Child Victims’ Bill of Rights of 1990
d) Victim Rights Clarification Act of 1997
2) _____Which right does not apply to the Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982?
a) Notification of the arrest of the accused
b) Notification of the court appearances
c) Don’t have to consult with victims regarding proposed dismissals and plea bargains
d) Opportunity to address the sentencing court
3) _____Which of these items are covered under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984?
a) Crime scene cleanup
b) Food and/or clothing cost
c) Stolen or damaged property
d) None of the above are covered under this act
4) _____Which law established the Crime Victims’ Fund?
a) Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982
b) Victims of Crime Act of 1984
c) Child Victims’ Bill of Rights of 1990
d) Victim’s Rights Clarification Act of 1997
5) _____Which of these is NOT a crime victim’s right?
a) Right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of public proceedings
b) Right to be treated with fairness and respect
c) Right to have a secure waiting area during the trial
d) Right to a full and timely restitution
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6) _____The Child Victims’ Bill of Rights of 1990 includes all of the following rights except?
a) Have the proceedings explained in simple terms
b) Not to release name, address, or photo to an outside agency
c) An advocate to make recommendations to the court about the child's ability to
cooperate
d) Relocate and provide new identities
7) _____Crime victims’ legal assistance grants are given to establish and maintain programs for
enforcement of crime victims’ rights to all except which of the following agencies?
a) Human service agencies
b) Tribal, local, and state prosecutor's offices
c) Courts
d) Jails or correctional institutions
8) _____Which federal law allows Victim Impact Statements to be introduced during
sentencing?
a) Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982
b) Victims of Crime Act of 1984
c) Child Victims’ Bill of Rights of 1990
d) Victim Rights Clarification Act of 1997
9) _____The Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982 provides victims with the notification of
criminal proceedings regarding all except which of the following?
a) Arrest of the accused
b) Times of court appearances
c) Release and detention of the accused
d) The act provides all of the above
10) _____The Victims of Crime Act of 1984 covers all but which of the following?
a) Created a federal victims’ compensation account funded by fines assessed in
federal criminal convictions
b) Creates penalties for retaliation against testifying
c) Established provisions to assist the state programs that compensated victims of a
crime
d) U.S. funds are distributed to the states
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11) _____The Victims of Crime Act of 1984 does not cover which of the following losses?
a) Stolen or damaged property
b) Crime scene cleanup
c) Food and/or clothing
d) The act covers all of the above
12) _____Which of the following is not a crime victim’s right?
a) To be reasonably protected from the accused
b) To be excluded from any such public proceeding involving release, plea, or
sentencing
c) To confer with the attorney for the government in the case
d) To be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy
13) _____Which law affords victims the right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of a
public proceeding involving the crime, or of any release or escape of the accused?
a) Victims of Crime Act of 1984
b) Child Victims’ Bill of Rights of 1990
c) Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982
d) Victim Rights Clarification Act of 1997
14) _____The Child Victims’ Bill of Rights of 1990 affords children which of the following rights?
a) To have the proceedings explained in simple terms
b) To have a secure waiting area during court and a support person to stay with them
c) To allow an advocate to be present in court to provide emotional support to the
child during testimony
d) The act affords all of the above
15) _____Which of the following is not a right afforded to child victims?
a) No release of name, address, or photo to an agency outside of the criminal justice
system
b) To allow an advocate to make a recommendation to the prosecutor about the
child's ability to cooperate with the prosecutor
c) Restitution to the victims
d) To allow an advocate to inform the court of the child's ability to understand the
proceedings
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16) _____Which federal law states that a victim cannot be prevented from attending a federal
criminal trial based on the fact that he or she is expected to testify at the sentencing
phase of the trial?
a) Victim Rights Clarification Act of 1997
b) Victims of Crime Act of 1984
c) Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982
d) Child Victims’ Bill of Rights of 1990
17) _____The Crime Victims’ Compensation Act receives resources from which of the following
sources?
a) State court costs
b) $8 monthly parole fee
c) Donations
d) All of the above
18) _____What is the maximum benefit allowed under the Crime Victims’ Compensation Act for
permanent disability?
a) $25,000
b) $75,000
c) $50,000
d) None of the above
19) _____Crime victim compensation applicants must meet which of the following guidelines?
a) Crime occurs in Texas/Victims reside in Texas
b) Crime must be reported within a reasonable amount of time
c) They must file the application within 3 years of the offense
d) All of the above
20) _____Which federal law allows for the relocation and protection of a witness or potential
witnesses?
a) Witness Relocation and Protection Program
b) Address Confidentiality Program
c) Victim Rights Clarification Act of 1997
d) Victims of Crime Act of 1984
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21) _____The Witness Relocation and Protection Program is overseen by which agency?
a) Texas Rangers
b) Attorney General
c) U.S. Marshals
d) FBI
22) _____Which law enforcement agency is responsible for protecting the witnesses assigned to
the Witness Relocation and Protection Program?
a) FBI
b) Texas Ranger
c) U.S. Marshals
d) Attorney General
23) _____Which victims’ right law was introduced in 1970 under the Organized Crime Control Act
and was amended by the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984?
a) Address Confidentiality Program
b) Witness Relocation and Protection Program
c) Victim Rights Clarification Act
d) Victim and Witness Protection
24) _____The Witness Relocation and Protection Program provides funds for which of the
following?
a) Housing
b) Basic living expenses
c) Job training
d) All of the above
25) _____Which federal law provides the suitable documents to enable a person to establish a
new identity or to otherwise protect the person?
a) Witness Relocation and Protection Program
b) Address Confidentiality Program
c) Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982
d) Victims of Crime Act of 1984
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26) _____Which information may be released without delay upon the issuance of a court order
under the Witness Relocation and Protection Program?
a) Identity
b) Location
c) Financial records
d) Criminal records
27) _____Prior to protection under the Witness Relocation and Protection Program, the Attorney
General must obtain information to determine the suitability for the program by
completing what assessments?
a) Criminal history
b) Psychological evaluation
c) Written assessment
d) All of the above
28) _____Information regarding the location of a person in the Witness Relocation and Protection
Program can only be released under the following circumstances:
a) Person is under investigation for a crime with the punishment of more than 1 year
b) Person has been arrested for a crime with the punishment of more than 1 year
c) Person has been charged with a crime with the punishment of more than 1 year
d) Any of the above
29) _____Prior to entry into the Witness Relocation and Protection Program, witnesses must
complete a memorandum. The memorandum includes all but which of the following
guidelines?
a) Comply with legal obligations and civil judgments
b) Commit no crime
c) Agreement to testify and provide information to law enforcement
d) All of the above
30) _____The Witness Relocation and Protection Program protects witnesses who testify against
all except which of the following crimes?
a) Drug traffickers
b) Burglars
c) Terrorists
d) Organized crime
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31) _____The .Address Confidentiality Program protects victims from all but which of the
following crimes?
a) Organized crime
b) Sexual assault
c) Stalking
d) Family violence
32) _____Which agency is not required to accept the Address Confidentiality Program address?
a) Driver's License
b) School registration
c) Banks
d) Voter registration
33) _____A safety plan is a checklist used to assess risk and identify actions to increase the
safety of victims. A safety plan does not include which of the following?
a) Important telephone numbers for law enforcement, help lines, and community
resources
b) Relocation and protection of the witness
c) Outline specific strategies for avoiding the offender and getting help when needed
d) 3 year expiration
34) _____The Address Confidentiality Program can be cancelled for all but which of the
following?
a) Applicant knowingly makes a false statement on the application
b) Forwarded mail is returned as undeliverable four times
c) Name or address change is not sent 10 days prior to change
d) Victim meets with the advocate and develops a safety plan
35) _____The written assessment used in the application process of the Witness Relocation and
Protection Program includes which of the following information?
a) Need for testimony vs. risk of danger
b) Evaluate alternatives to protection
c) Secure testimony from other sources
d) All of the above
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Victims’ Rights Exam Key
1) A
2) C
3) D
4) B
5) C
6) D
7) A
8) A
9) D
10) B
11) D
12) B
13) B
14) D
15) C
16) A
17) D
18) B
19) D
20) A
21) B
22) C
23) B
24) D
25) A
26) C
27) D
28) D
29) D
30) B
31) A
32) C
33) B
34) D
35) D
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Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Victim Impact Statement: Persuasive Essay Rubric
Objectives
Attention Grabber
Position Statement
Support for Position
Closing paragraph
Grammar & Spelling
Sentence Structure
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
The introductory paragraph
has a strong hook or
attention grabber that is
appropriate for the audience.
The introductory paragraph
has a hook or attention
grabber, but it is weak,
rambling, or inappropriate for
the audience.
The position statement
provides a clear statement of
the author's position on the
topic.
Includes 3 or more pieces of
evidence (facts, statistics,
examples, real-life
experiences) that support the
position statement.
The conclusion is
recognizable. The author's
position is restated within the
first two sentences of the
closing paragraph.
The author has an interesting
introductory paragraph, but the
connection to the topic is not
clear.
The introductory paragraph
is not interesting and is not
relevant to the topic.
A position statement is present,
but does not make the author's
position clear.
There is no position
statement.
Includes 2 pieces of evidence
(facts, statistics, examples, reallife experiences) that support the
position statement.
Includes 1 or fewer pieces of
evidence (facts, statistics,
examples, real-life
experiences).
The author's position is restated
within the closing paragraph, but
is not near the beginning.
There is no conclusion the
paper just ends.
The author makes 1-2 errors
in grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
Most sentences are wellconstructed and there is
some varied sentence
structure in the essay.
The author makes 3-4 errors in
grammar or spelling that distract
the reader from the content.
The author makes more
than 4 errors in grammar or
spelling that distract the
reader from the content.
Most sentences are not wellconstructed or varied.
The position statement
provides a clear, strong
statement of the author's
position on the topic.
Includes 4 or more pieces of
evidence (facts, statistics,
examples, real-life
experiences) that support
the position statement.
The conclusion is strong and
leaves the reader solidly
understanding the writer's
position. Effective
restatement of the position
statement begins the closing
paragraph.
The author makes no errors
in grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
All sentences are wellconstructed with varied
structure.
Most sentences are wellconstructed, but there is no
variation in structure.
Pts.
Total Points (24 pts.)
Comments:
18
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Witness Protection Program Brochure Rubric
Objectives
Attractiveness
and Organization
Content Accuracy
Knowledge
Gained
4 pts.
Excellent
The brochure has
exceptionally
attractive formatting
and well-organized
information.
The brochure
includes an
excellent outline of
the Witness
Protection Program
and is very
informative and
reassuring for a
victim.
Students can
accurately answer
all questions
related to the facts
in the project and
the processes used
to create the
project.
3 pts.
Good
The brochure has
attractive formatting
and well-organized
information.
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
The brochure has
well-organized
information.
The brochure
includes a good
outline of the
Witness Protection
Program and is
somewhat
informative and
reassuring for a
victim.
Students can
accurately answer
most questions
related to facts in
the project and
processes used to
create the project
The brochure
includes an adequate
outline of the Witness
Protection Program
but is not informative
and/or reassuring for
a victim.
Student can
accurately answer
half of the questions
related to facts in the
project and
processes used to
create a project.
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
The brochure's
formatting and
organization are
confusing to the
reader.
The brochure does not
include an adequate
outline of the Witness
Protection Program
and is not informative
or reassuring for a
victim.
N/A
Pts.
Student appears to
have insufficient
knowledge about the
facts or processes
used in the project.
Total Points (12 pts.)
Comments:
19
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Debate Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Information
Clear, accurate and thorough
Facts, statistics and/or examples
used to support major points.
Communication
Respectful body language
Respectful responses
Focused/on-topic
Sarcasm avoided
Participation
Full participation
Attentive listening
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
20
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Discussion Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Participates in group discussion
Encourages others to join the
conversation
Keeps the discussion progressing
to achieve goals
Shares thoughts actively while
offering helpful recommendations to
others
Gives credit to others for their ideas
Respects the opinions of others
Involves others by asking questions
or requesting input
Expresses thoughts and ideas
clearly and effectively
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
21
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Writing Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
The writing has all required parts from
introduction to conclusion in smooth
transition.
The writing is interesting, supportive,
and complete.
The writing demonstrates that the
writer comprehends the writing
process.
Accurate spelling, grammar, and
punctuation
The content of paragraphs
emphasizes appropriate points.
The writer shows an understanding of
sentence structure, paragraphing, and
punctuation.
All sources and references are clearly
and accurately documented.
Total Points (28 pts.)
Comments:
22
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.