Marking Period One

Explanation 

In this assignment, we worked in groups and were tasked to choose a topic/subject associated with wrongful conviction. The objective was to research and learn about our unique topic. Our group chose to learn about false confessions. In a slideshow we had to write about the causes of false confessions, how the system can be fix, and lastly we investigated a real case, the Kevin Bailey case, where a false confession occurred and Bailey fell victim to a wrongful conviction. Lastly the slideshow and its contents were presented to the class.  

Prior to this project, as a class we had been going over aspects of wrongful convictions. We reviewed real cases where wrongful convictions occurred. Additionally we inspected what went wrong and systems in place today that are used to prevent wrongful convictions. This Innocence Project assignment fit well into the unit since it highlighted a specific aspect associated with wrongful convictions. Through this assignment I was learned about the may ways the justice system is flawed. There are many ways in which false confession can occur this includes deceitful interrogation practices, vulnerable suspects, and a suspect with a lack of knowledge on their rights.

Reflection 

• This assignment demonstrates my ability to summarize information. When doing research on false confession there were many websites explaining causes and ways to fix the system. With an overwhelming amount of information presented to me, I was able to narrow down the main points. 

• This assignment represents important themes in the course, forensics science today is heavily involved in the justice system, it is critical for investigators to practice ethical systems. It is also important to recognize the wrongdoings within the justice system. 

• I enjoyed doing this project because I was able to choose the topic I wanted to focus on. I was able to look more closely at an topic involving wrongful convictions that is often overlooked. 

• This project connects to the larger world since it highlights the flaws within the justice system. Wrongful convictions are a problem arising from the lack of improvements in the justice system. Law enforcement still convicts innocent people because there are deceitful interrogation practices in place. 

Explanation

This assignment involved having a meaningful discussion among a group about the ethical standards that should be held by forensic scientists. As a group we had to analyze the the crime drug lab chemists Sonja Farak and Annie Dookhan committed. The objective of the assignment was to develop an ethical failure presentation were the main points of our group discussion is highlighted. As a team we had to discuss and report what went wrong or what allowed for the crime to be committed and how we can implement polices so that ethical violations do not occur.  The assignment fit in to the overall unit since it highlights the importance of forensic science. Even if there is one seemingly small ethical violation an entire court case can be manipulated. As I was completing this assignment I learned that even if one person out of dozens of chemist in a lab alters evidence there will be consequences. Suspects in court rely on factual evidence that can prove their innocence. 

Reflection

• This assignment challenged me because although I had all the information and became knowledgeable on the subject it was hard to figure out which points to makes. 

• I mainly focused the section which explains the ways that things went wrong. I feel as though I could have improved on the background information. I could have included separated slides to explain more thoroughly the background of both Annie Dookhan and Sonja Farak.  

• When I got the chance to redo the assignment the section I focused on was the potential policies that could be put in place. We had to think of solutions to prevent ethical failures and I feel as though I could have been more specific in this section. I could have explained how the propose system would run or who would be in charge of managing it.