Over the years, Forensic Science has struggled to keep up with the increase in violence along with the increase in technology that has been exploited by criminal elements. Not only has there been a number of scientific tools developed to process crime scenes and enhance the abilities of crime laboratories, but though technology there has been a number of databases established at a national level. Such databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. 

Identify 3 different national databases, and include the following for each:

What agency runs the database
What type of data are held in the database
Brief description of how the database supports law enforcement/corrections throughout the country

In preparation for your Unit 1 written submission about contemporary issues in forensic psychology, we will explore a range of contemporary issues involving forensic psychology. The more we discuss these contemporary issues, the better equipped everyone will be to complete the written submission.

Choose any two of the following contemporary issues share your thoughts and reflections: 
Interrogations and Confessions
Polygraphs
Involuntary Civil Commitment
Competency Restoration
Implicit Bias and Criminal Justice
Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification
Solitary Confinement
Trauma and Memory
Eyewitness Testimony
Describe two current examples which illustrate key factors impacting the contemporary issue.
Describe an example of someone who is working to reduce negative aspects (consequences?).

Assignment Details

You are an instructor for a state crime lab. It is your responsibility to start the basic training for the new candidates that upon completion of their training will report to crime scene units in their first assignments as crime scene investigators.

Your first lesson involves explaining the 2 categories of physical evidence used for identification purposes or comparison purposes.
Your second lesson is explaining the differences between class characteristics of physical evidence and individual characteristics of physical evidence.
Your third and final lesson is to explain the importance of class characteristics and why their analysis can narrow the scope of the investigation for crime scene investigators.
In a 46-page paper, prepare your 3-part lesson plan on the instruction you would provide to new crime scene investigator candidates for the aforementioned lessons.

Your executive summary will be 3 pages and must include a problem statement, an overview of your selected issue in your state, and a summary of existing research (within the last 3 years) on the topic.

The specific steps are as follows:

Select any 1 of the following contemporary issues:
Interrogations and Confessions
Polygraphs
Involuntary Civil Commitment
Competency Restoration
Implicit Bias and Criminal Justice
Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification
Solitary Confinement
Trauma and Memory
Eyewitness Testimony
In 1 paragraph, write a problem statement.
In 2 paragraphs, supply an overview of the contemporary issue in your state.
In 4 paragraphs, create an overview of existing research (within the last 3 years) associated with your selected contemporary issue.
Use no less than 6 scholarly resources.

Summary/overview of the factual and procedural background of the case or law
Substantive/procedural issues what issues are involved in the case; why is this case even
newsworthy or taking center stage in our media in the first place
Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages, pros and cons, functions and
dysfunctions, comparisons and contrasts, arguments for and against, intended vs.
unintended consequences of your law or legal topic
Outcome discuss how this case was decided; the courts rationale for its decision;
whether you think the outcome was fair/unfair
Policy Implications discuss how the case or law has impacted society; ideas/suggestions
for modifying the law or reforming the justice system in the future
References may include any relevant source but must include at least 3 reputable,
academic/scholarly sources. Please cite your work.

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION AND GUIDANCE
This assignment will require the student to build a portfolio of routine legal correspondence. The types of correspondence will be representations of required correspondence at various stages of a client matter and directed to various parties in a client matter.

Read and familiarize yourself with the fact scenario below. You will be required to draft a series of legal correspondence based on the fact scenario.

Fact Scenario:

Ms. Brandi Maguire has retained you today. During the initial 30 minute consultation a week ago today, she informed you that she had filed a human rights application (HRTO File: 2019-123-45) against her former employer XYZ Property Management Inc. for discrimination based on her disability. She is seeking $100,000.00 in damages. The hearing is scheduled for 60 days from today. You have reviewed the application, which Ms. Maguire drafted on her own behalf, and the response from the Respondent. You do not want to give your final opinion on the success of the application until you review all of Ms. Maguire’s documents as it relates to her application. You have not been given her employment records and her medical records. Ms Maguire gives you her permission to obtain the documents on her behalf and have them sent directly to your office. The hearing date is quickly approaching and you need to request and receive these documents immediately.

Based on the information you have reviewed so far, you do not believe that the application will be successful. You advise Ms. Maguire that she should attempt to settle the matter without a hearing. Ms. Maguire has given you authority to try and settle with the Respondent. You think that this matter could be settled for $30,000.00. Ms. Maguire has also indicated that she would like a written apology, and a reference letter included in the settlement.

It has now been one month since Ms. Maguire retained you. You have not yet received the documents from Ms. Maguire’s physician, and Dr. Robertson has indicated that there is a cost of $568.15 to copy her medical file.

The same day you drafted the letter to the Respondent, you received a response indicating that they are not going to settle and are looking forward to your client losing.

You also received a notice from the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, reminding you of the deadline to provide the documents you will be relying on at the hearing to the Respondent and to the Tribunal.

Instructions:

Based on the above fact scenario, draft the following legal correspondence, using full block, mixed punctuation:

Letter for her employment records (including necessary authorizations)
Letter for her medical records (including necessary authorizations)
Letter for regarding settlement
Reporting/Status letter
Assignment Steps:

Review the assignment instructions and rubric to ensure you understand the requirements and expectations.
Set up a plan for your communication strategy. For example, do you need any additional information? Have you written to the correct party?
Create a draft of each of your letters. (Do not submit your draft documents)
Review, edit, and proofread your letters. You may find it helpful to use Appendix A in your textbook for an editing checklist.
Make the appropriate corrections
Ensure that your documents are presentable to the reader. For example, proper formatting for the type of letter you are drafting.
Note: You may make up details such as contact information etc. You are not permitted to add or alter details that significantly alter the assignment. Please see your instructor if you believe key elements are missing.
Double check your submission for completeness and accuracy making sure you have submitted all documents. On Day 6, submit the assignment to the Assignment Submission Folder – Major Assignment
EVALUATION BREAKDOWN

Total: 30 marks

Content – Correct Scenario Based Responses

The assignment scenario is used accordingly.
Spelling and Grammar

Demonstrates understanding of writing process and sentence structure (grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation).
Drafting

Demonstrates ability to draft client-centered material, legal documents in an organized, clear, concise and plain language manner.