Course Outline: Module #9
Sentencing, Appeals, and the Death Penalty
CRJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice
The primary goal of this module is to examine the goals of criminal sentencing and review capital
punishment.
Module 9 – Sentencing, Appeals, and the Death
Penalty
Introduction
After the guilty verdict, the defendant is given the sentence (punishment) for the criminal act. The next
question we as members of society must ask ourselves is why do we punish people? More than 90% of
criminals sentenced to incarceration will be released. What is the goal of punishment?
Learning Objectives
After completing this module, students will be able to:
1. Identify the goals of punishment. (Discussion board and interactive lecture)
2. Distinguish between indeterminate and mandatory sentencing. (Discussion board and
interactive lecture)
3. Argue for or against the death penalty. (Journal and discussion board)
Due This Week
Assignment
Format
Grading
Read Textbook Chapter 9
Textbook
0pts
Interactive Lecture Module 9
Interactive Lecture
1pt
Death Penalty
Journal
5pts
Sentencing. Indeterminate vs Mandatory
Discussion
10pts
Goals of Punishment
Discussion
10pts
Case Review
Discussion
10pts
*Use this table to fill out the course calendar. Be sure to add dates in the course calendar.
Learning Activities
The learning activities section is a way for you to sequence your students learning. Consider this as
your way of guiding them to understanding and scaffolding their learning. Be creative, use the right
tool for the right objectives and whenever possible integrate knowledge checks with feedback and/or
reflection. Be sure to provide an overview of each activity in the sequence and how it will help the
learner achieve the learning objectives. Add learning activities as necessary.
Reading
Read chapter 9 in the textbook. Sentencing
This chapter examines the goals of sentencing, various sentencing practices, trends in sentencing,
presentence investigations, and capital punishment.
Interactive Lecture
Sentencing, Appeals, and the Death Penalty
©2012 Gateway Community College
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The interactive lecture directly addresses the learning objectives within chapter nine. The lecture is
broken up by sections. After some learning objective section, students will be given an opportunity to
answer a “knowledge check” question(s). Answering these questions allows the student to practice
his/her understanding of the material covered in the textbook and interactive chapter.
Journal
Assignment Name
Death Penalty
Graded Assignment
Yes
Points Possible
5pts
Privacy Settings
Individual
Death Penalty
Does the death penalty violate the 8th Amendment? Explain. Do you support or oppose the use of
capital punishment? Support your argument.
Your journal entry should be between 150 – 250 words. The assignment is due by Sunday at 11:59 pm EST.
Grading and Feedback
Standard Journal rubric will apply.
You can expect this assignment to be graded 5 to 10 days after the assignment due date. Check “My
Grades” for your grade and feedback.
Discussion board
Assignment Name
Graded Assignment
Points Possible
Sentencing: Intermediate vs. mandatory
YES
10pts
Sentencing: Intermediate vs. mandatory
Distinguish the difference between intermediate and mandatory sentencing. Which practice is better?
Explain why.
Grading and Feedback
Each student should post his/her response to the question by Wednesday at 11:5pm EST. Each student
will respond to at least 2 of their peers post by Sunday 11:59pm EST. Students are encouraged to
respond to more than 2 posts.
Standard Discussion Board rubric will apply.
You can expect this assignment to be graded within 5-10 days of your submission. Check “My Grades”
for your grade and feedback.
©2012 Gateway Community College
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Discussion board
Assignment Name
Graded Assignment
Points Possible
Goals of Punishment
YES
10pts
Goals of Punishment
Identify and explain the 5 goals of punishment. Over 90% of incarcerated criminal will be released back
into society. Should this have an effect on how our society punishes criminals? Explain. If you could
select only one goal of sentencing, which one best fits your personal philosophy? As you answer this
question, think back to module 1 where we learned about evidence based practices. How should
evidence based practices impact sentencing?
Grading and Feedback
Each student should post his/her response to the question by Wednesday at 11:5pm EST. Each student
will respond to at least 2 of their peers post by Sunday 11:59pm EST. Students are encouraged to
respond to more than 2 posts.
Standard Discussion Board rubric will apply.
You can expect this assignment to be graded within 5-10 days of your submission. Check “My Grades”
for your grade and feedback.
Discussion board
Assignment Name
Graded Assignment
Points Possible
Case Review
Yes
10pts
Case Review
Visit The Innocent Project at http://www.innocenceproject.org. Choose 3 case files to review. Did visiting
this website influence your thoughts about sentencing? Explain.
Grading and Feedback
Each student should post his/her response to the question by Wednesday at 11:5pm EST. Each student
will respond to at least 2 of their peers post by Sunday 11:59pm EST. Students are encouraged to
respond to more than 2 posts.
Standard Discussion Board rubric will apply.
You can expect this assignment to be graded within 5-10 days of your submission. Check “My Grades”
for your grade and feedback.
©2012 Gateway Community College
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Quiz
Work with your developer to create the test/quiz or upload a test bank. You will also need to set the
other parameters of the test such as randomized questions and question blocks.
Assignment Name
Points Possible
Due Date/Time (if tracking)
Number of Attempts
Test Duration
Test Availability
Module 9 quiz
5pts
Date @ Time
one
UNLIMITED
START:
Date @ Time
END:
Date @ Time
Description of assignment
Five question quiz following module reading assignment and interactive lecture assignment.
Instructions for Submission
Provide instructions for submitting here.
Grading and Feedback
Explain the parameters of the assignment. Provide rubric if applicable.
You can expect this assignment to be graded within <insert timeframe> of your submission. Check “My
Grades” for your grade and feedback.
Quiz questions and answers
1.
Faced with prison overcrowding, high incarceration costs, and public calls for retribution, some judges have
used shaming strategies to deter wrongdoers.
a.
True
b.
False
2.
Information about a defendant’s background often comes to the judge in the form of a presentence
investigation (PSI) report.
a.
True
b.
False
3.
A written document describing the losses, suffering, and trauma experienced by the crime victim or by the
victim’s survivors is known as a victim-impact statement.
a.
True
b.
False
4.
Inequities arise when offenders with vastly different financial resources are fined similar amounts.
a.
True
b.
False
©2012 Gateway Community College
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5.
When a prisoner is executed the Constitution demands that all risk of pain be avoided.
a.
True
b.
False
©2012 Gateway Community College
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