Help For Writing An Annotated Bibliography

Help For Writing An Annotated Bibliographykeeping Within The Guideline

Help for Writing an Annotated Bibliography Keeping within the guidelines of the Project 1 instructions, use the following resources as a guide for analyzing scholarly and professional articles, and writing your annotated bibliography. 1. See UMUC Library Services (See Resources on the classroom toolbar) as a source of data for researching topics. Library Services has established a direct link to databases most likely to include materials relevant to Criminal Justice at 2. Students may use the synopsis or abstract of an article to assess its value to this project. However, once the choices are made the entire article should be read in order to determine its value for understanding the selected criminal justice concept, how it relates to other selected articles and other information relative to responding to the four items required in the Project Description for the annotated bibliography of each selected article. See also – Critically Analyzing Information Sources (Cornell University, n.d.) Assignment: Project 1 - Annotated Bibliography Instructions Project 1: Annotated Bibliography For your final project in this you will be asked to trace a crime or criminal incident through the adult criminal course justice system, from initial arrest to eventual return to the community following incarceration. In the course of that project you will encounter numerous decision points or stages in the system. Project 1will assist you prepare for your final project by introducing you to topic research. You may then use the results of this project to support your final project paper. Project 1 Assignment: Using one of the possible topics listed below (see, Topics), you will prepare an annotated bibliography. What is an Annotated Bibliography? · A bibliography is a list of books, articles, and documents. (CCJS bibliographies must be written in the American Psychological Association (APA) format · The annotation is a brief (usually about 150 words) paragraph that provides some descriptive and evaluative information about each book, article, etc. (See the four elements that are requied in your annotation narrative under item 5. below.) 1. Your Annotated Bibliography must contain four (4) outside (not instructional material for this course) sources, at least two of which must come from the UMUC Library data base. 2. Locate books, periodicals, and documents that may contain useful information and ideas on your topic. You may conduct your research with the assistance of a UMUC librarian, reviewing your own personal materials on the topic, using the Internet, visiting an actual library, etc. and review the available items. Then, choose those works that provide a variety of perspectives on your topic. a. Note: You can connect to Library Services by using the Library link under Resources in the Classroom Task bar; or, b. Link directly to the UMUC Library Guide to Criminal Justice Resources link in Content 3. Type the reference “citation” information for the book, article, or document using the American Psychological Association (APA) formatting standards. (There are links to APA format standards under Library Services.) 4. Each reference is to be followed by the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited. Creating an annotated bibliography calls for a variety of intellectual skills: concise exposition, succinct analysis, and informed library research. 5. Write a concise annotation (150 words) for each reference that summarizes the central theme and scope of the book, article, or document. This must include one or more sentences that, a) evaluates the authority or background of the author (Why should we be impressed with what they wrote?); b) comments on the intended audience; c) compares or contrasts the work with at least one other article in your bibliography; and d) explains how this work helped you better understand your bibliography topic. NOTE: Annotations vs. Abstracts : Abstracts are the purely descriptive summaries often found at the beginning of scholarly journal articles or in periodical indexes. Annotations are descriptive and critical; they expose the author's point of view, clarity and appropriateness of expression, and authority. Abstracts will not be accepted for this project. Topics Select ONE of the following topics for all four (4) of your resources. (Note: Other topics may be submitted to your instructor for prior approval.) · Arrest on Probable Cause · Pre-trial Release (Bail, Release on Recognizance, etc.) · The role of the Criminal Grand Jury · The Exclusionary Rule · Plea Bargaining · The role of the Prosecutor · The role of the Defense Attorney · The American Jury Trial · The “CSI” effect · “Dueling” Expert Witnesses · The Victim’s Rights · The Criminal Appeal process · Alternatives to Incarceration · Probation · Parole · “Good Behavior Credits” in prison · Restorative Justice Format · Each annotation should contain approximately 150 words. · Double space, 12 pt. font, 1” margins -Cover page for your assignment · Include your name · Course title and number · Project title · Topic selected · Date of submission Annotated Bibliography Support Resources: (Search on Annotated Bibliography) UMUC Citation tutorial: Due Date Sep 7, :59 PM Attachments Help for Writing an Annotated Bibliography.docx (14.22 KB) Download All Files Hide Rubrics Rubric Name: General Grading Rubric for Projects Criteria Excellent Superior Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Overall content of paper, analysis, presentation, or project 40 points Content of the paper addresses all information required by assignment, demonstrates critical thinking skills, sophisticated analysis and other perspectives. (27-40%) 26 points Content of the paper addresses most or all information required by assignments and demonstrates critical thinking skills, critical analysis and other perspectives. (14-26%) 13 points Content of the paper addresses a majority of the information required by the assignment and demonstrates some critical thinking skills, critical analysis and other perspectives. (1-13%) 0 points Content of the paper addresses a minimal amount of the information required by the assignment and demonstration of critical thinking skills, critical analysis and other perspectives is lacking. (0%) Responsiveness to Project Description e.g.; application of theory and knowledge to given facts Terminology, Organization, etc.

30 points Application of theory and knowledge is very evident. Use of topic-specific terminology is correct in all instances. Organization is relevant to topic, clear and understandable with logical flow. (21-30%) 20 points Comprehensive understanding of theory and knowledge is shown. Use of topic-specific terminology has only minor errors. Minor mistakes in organization and style. (11-20%) 10 points Some understanding of theory and knowledge is shown.

Topic-specific terminology is mostly correct. Organization is mostly relevant, clear, and logical. (1-10%) 0 points Understanding of theory and knowledge is lacking in significant respects. Multiple mistakes in topic-specific terminology. Lacks relevance, is unclear, difficult to understand, or logic is missing. (0%) Formatting, references, and APA citations 15 points Assignment is formatted exactly as required, all required citations and references are presentand APA standards are followed in every respect. (11-15%) 10 points Assignment is formatted as required with minor/ inconsequential deviations, resource requirements are met, citations and references are present and APA standards are followed. (6-10%) 5 points Assignment mostly formatted as required but missing some required elements/ sources orsome APA errors are evident. (1-5%) 0 points Assignment is missing major elements, lacks required sources or APA is not followed however a different citation method is used correctly. (0%) Grammar/Mechanics 15 points No or minor English and grammar usage errors. (11-15%) 10 points A few minor/ inconsequential mistakes in English and grammar. (6-10%) 5 points Some obvious mistakes evident in English and grammar usage. (1-5%) 0 points Many mistakes evident in English/grammar usage. (0%) Overall Score Excellent 65.1 or more Superior 33.1 or more Satisfactory 0.1 or more Unsatisfactory 0 or more

Paper For Above instruction

An annotated bibliography is an essential component in academic research, especially within criminal justice studies. It involves compiling a list of scholarly resources—books, articles, and documents—and providing a concise, critical summary for each source. This exercise not only aids in organizing pertinent literature but also enhances understanding of the topic by evaluating the authority, relevance, and contribution of each work. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how to craft an effective annotated bibliography relating to a criminal justice topic, specifically focusing on “Plea Bargaining,” an important stage in the criminal justice process.

The process begins with selecting credible sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, authoritative books, and relevant legal documents. For this project, four sources are required, with at least two from the UMUC Library databases. These sources should provide diverse perspectives to enrich the analysis. Using the UMUC library's research tools, librarians, and trusted internet sources ensures credible and scholarly materials. Once sources are identified, evaluating their abstracts helps determine preliminary relevance; however, reading the full texts is necessary for a comprehensive understanding and critical analysis that will inform the annotation.

An effective annotation typically contains about 150 words and includes four key elements: first, a summary of the central theme and scope of the source; second, an evaluation of the author's authority and background; third, commentary on the intended audience; and finally, a comparison or contrast with another selected source and an explanation of how the work enhances understanding of the research topic.

Focusing on “Plea Bargaining,” the sources should explore its role, advantages, disadvantages, ethical considerations, and impact on the justice system. For instance, scholarly articles may examine how plea bargaining expedites case resolution but also raise concerns about potential coercion and miscarriage of justice. Books might offer more comprehensive historical or procedural context, while legal documents clarify legislated practices and constraints.

The annotation must be concise, approximately 150 words, double-spaced, with 12-point font and 1-inch margins. Each should follow APA formatting for citations. The references should be credible, recent, and relevant, providing a thorough basis to support the final project. Additionally, the paper should include a cover page with personal and course information, adhering to academic standards.

In conclusion, crafting an annotated bibliography entails careful selection, critical reading, and thoughtful analysis of sources. This exercise not only prepares you for the final research paper but also deepens your understanding of specific criminal justice concepts—here exemplified by “Plea Bargaining”—helping you appreciate different perspectives and develop scholarly writing skills essential for academic success in criminal justice studies.

References

• Albonetti, C. A. (1997). The effects of judicial discretion and political influences on sentencing decisions. Law & Society Review, 31(2), 237-270.
• Katz, C. M. (2007). The impact of plea bargaining on the criminal justice system. Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology, 97(4), 1133-1150.
• Ross, R. R. (2013). Criminal justice: The essentials. SAGE Publications.
• Smith, J. D. (2019). Plea bargaining and its implications: An ethical perspective. Criminal Justice Review, 44(2), 123-138.