Criminal Justice CP

Mr. Matthew T. Trokan

Vernon Township High School
www.thetrokanwebsite.weebly.com
mtrokan@vtsd.com
School Year: 2014-2015

Introduction
Criminal Justice, a College Prep level elective, will examine the American criminal justice system and the agencies and
processes that constitute it. Topics covered will include: criminal law, the police and court system, juvenile crime, the prison
system, categories of crime, due process, terrorism, gangs, hate crimes, corrections, cybercrime, and careers in criminal
justice. This course will explore the dynamic field of criminal justice and the ever-evolving nature of crime.

Course Outline
I. The Criminal Justice System
II. The Police and Law Enforcement
III. Criminal Courts
IV. Corrections: Sentencing, Jails, and Prisons
V. Special Issues: Juvenile Crime, Terrorism, Cybercrime

Grades
*Each Marking Period will count for 20% of your final grade. Mid-term and final exams will each count for 10% of your
final grade. If you are a senior and have a cumulative grade of at least 90% at the end of the fourth marking period you
will be exempt from the final exam. Marking Period Grades will be calculated as follows:
1. Tests 30%
2. Research 20%**
3. Quizzes 20%
4. Class Participation 15%
5. Homework 15%

**Failure to submit a research project will result in a marking period grade of no greater than 55%

OTHER EXIGENT POLICIES:
I. Homework Philosophy
a. The purpose of a homework assignment is to either prepare for class the next day, or to reinforce, or
deepen in-class learning.
i. Homework is not piecework. You will not be awarded simple points for doing a homework
assignment.
ii. Homework is not busy work. You must trust that I will not assign homework that is not
necessary. In return, you must complete all assignments
b. Not all assignments will be collected or graded. Review the purpose of homework as stated above.
i. Only one day will be provided for late homework. In addition, a minimum of 50% will be
deducted. After two days, it becomes a zero.

II. Make-Up Work
a. All make-up assignments must be completed within two days of the excused absence, otherwise no
credit will be given. Students are expected to check the teachers website
(www.thetrokanwebsite.weebly.com) especially when absent for missing classwork and homework.
b. Unexcused absences preclude you from completing missed work.

III. Making up missed quizzes/tests
a. You hold the responsibility of making up missed quizzes/tests.
i. You must schedule a time before school, after school, or during your lunch period.
ii. Failure to make up a quiz/test within a week of your absence will result in a zero.

IV. Academic Honesty: Simply put, do not cheat or plagiarize. Students are expected to submit work that is their
own. Cheating and plagiarism of any kind will result an automatic zero and will be reported as per the
policies of Vernon Township High School. Please consult with the teacher if you are ever unsure about
anything concerning plagiarism.

V. Students with special needs should notify and discuss with the teacher ASAP.

VI. Use of Technology in Class
a. Computers:
i. We have access to computers these must be used in accordance with the Vernon Township
High School technology use policy. Misuse will bring a 0 for participation and a referral.
b. Cell Phones:
i. At no time are cell phones to be used, seen, or touched during class unless express permission
has been granted. A grade of zero for class participation will be given for the week.
VII. Miscellaneous
a. Attendance: The more often you are in class, the higher your grade will be. You are 100% responsible
for checking the website for all class notes, activities, and homework as well as making up all work by
the next day (unless it is an excused absence). No extensions will be provided for class trips or
unexcused absences as indicated on PowerSchool. In addition, check the website for ALL work that you
missed. Please do not ask the teacher for missed work as it is already on the website.
b. Guidance: You will not be allowed to report to guidance unless a specific note from your guidance
counselor is received.
c. Lateness: When the bell rings, you are expected to be in your seat and ready to learn. Three unexcused
tardies will result in a mandatory referral.
d. Printing: At no time will the teacher excuse students to print homework, research papers, or projects
from this or other classes during class time. In the event that your printer does not work and all other
options have been exhausted, please e-mail the teacher at mtrokan@vtsd.com.
e. Absences: Please make every effort to come to school every day. Remember, students who have higher
attendance rates are much more likely to academically succeed compared to those with excessive
absences.
VIII. Availability/Contact Information/Website
a. Please note that I am available in the high school each day from 7:00AM until 7:15AM. I am also
available after school by appointment only which should be made with advance notice.
b. Please feel free to contact me via e-mail at any time at mtrokan@vtsd.com.
c. Mr. Trokans website (www.thetrokanwebsite.weebly.com) is updated frequently and is complete with
all assignments, classwork, instructional materials, worksheets and homework. Students are expected to
check the website daily.