Instructions
This week’s course material demonstrated that crime and criminal justice outcomes vary based on sociodemographic characteristics. You had a chance to read about some of the specific ways this plays out for certain minoritized groups; however, it is also important to dive deeper into the research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how distinct groups within the forensic population may be impacted. This week, you will choose one forensic sub-population to focus on, conduct a literature search to identify how their experiences are unique within forensic settings, and write a research paper.
To choose a unique forensic population, you will first want to identify a specific sociodemographic factor (i.e., race/ethnicity, sex, gender identity, age, religion, sexual orientation, immigration status, national origin, culture, disability, socioeconomic status, and language) and the forensic setting or issue on which you will focus. Example settings include law enforcement, criminal court, family court, or corrections, while example issues include crime type, recidivism, or prisoner reentry. Below is a list of examples to further guide your selection of a unique forensic population:
- A specific racial/ethnic group among forensic populations (e.g., Latina women who are involved in family court)
- A specific gender identity among forensic populations (e.g., Transgender women who are incarcerated)
- A specific age group among forensic populations (e.g., older adults who are being released from prison)
- A specific sexual orientation among forensic populations (e.g., Lesbian survivors or perpetrators of intimate partner violence)
- A specific disability status among forensic populations (e.g., deaf individuals who are incarcerated)
Once you have selected a unique forensic population and identified scholarly sources regarding your selected population, write a research paper that includes:
- An introductory paragraph that identifies the unique forensic population you are focusing on and summarizes the key points from the articles you reviewed.
- An in-depth discussion of the articles that address the following:
a. Risk factors for involvement in the criminal justice system
b. Possible mental health needs and/or other interventions that are necessary for this population
c. Any bias and/or discriminatory practices that are experienced by this population within society and/or within forensic settings
3. A conclusion paragraph that summarizes the main points of your paper and recommendations for interventions that will address the unique risk factors for criminal justice involvement or other intervention needs.
Length: 3-5 pages
References: Include a minimum of 3 scholarly references.
The completed assignment should address all of the assignment requirements, exhibit evidence of concept knowledge, and demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the content presented in the course. The writing should integrate scholarly resources, reflect academic expectations and current APA standards, and adhere to the Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.