1. There is so much going on in the world today; so much going on in the United States. Our “worlds” have changed so much in the last 6 months. I want you to reflect on those statements for a moment because for this writing assignment, you are to choose a current event that has taken place in the United States this year (January 2020 through the present) and write a paper that researches and discusses the link between this current event and criminal law and/or the criminal justice system.

2. In your paper, please do the following:

o Decide how this current event relates to criminal law, a specific criminal statute, or the criminal justice system

o Upon deciding, please discuss and explore:

a) Why you chose this particular current event

b) Why or how does the U.S. criminal law relate to your current event? (you may need to research and discuss some of the historical background that relates to the law that you select)

c) Do you foresee or anticipate this current event affecting criminal law and/or the criminal justice system here in America?

3. You MUST use and cite at least (7) outside sources. Your book does not count as an outside source and at least (3) sources must be books or peer-reviewed journals.

4. This assignment must be double-spaced (or 1.5 spacing) and typed. I will not accept a handwritten assignment.

5. This paper shall be, at minimum, 7 pages, and no greater than 10.

(Your grade will not increase or decrease based on the number of pages).

6. This paper must include 3 parts:

a) An introduction (to the topic you intend to discuss)

b) A body (the content of what you intend to discuss)

c) A conclusion (an ending/summary of the information you have presented in the body of the paper)

KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER:

o First and foremost, upon reading your paper, I expect to LEARN something. I want to read about the issue and learn what you have researched.

o This IS a writing assignment; therefore, grammar, spelling, complete sentences, punctuation etc. will count toward, or against, your grade.

o The ability to convey your thoughts clearly and coherently will be considered and evaluated as part of the grade.

o The ability to research, use outside sources, cite, summarize, and draft an opinion will be considered and evaluated as part of the grade.

Current Event topic I chose for the paper- NYPD officer was secret Chinese agent

Description of Current event- This article presents various aspects of the criminal justice system. The first aspect is the law enforcement which is a critical aspect of the criminal justice system. The defendant, Angwang was a member of the NYPD’s Community Affairs Unit while at the same time working as a spy for the Chinese government. The article also gives an overview of court’s proceedings, another critical aspect of the criminal justice system, whereby the prosecutor reads charges brought against the accused. Lastly, Angwang committed an act of espionage which is a violation of United States laws specifically the Espionage Act of 1917.

Link- https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/nypd-off…

Side note from teacher- “This is a very interesting topic! I havent heard anything about it so I am looking forward to reading your paper. However, I am unclear about exactly what aspect of criminal law you intend to write about– prosecutors and grand juries? The Espionage Act of 1917? Policing and undercover officers? I would spend a little time working out exactly what topic you will be researching and writing about…“