You are required to write a traditional college term paper on the listed topic. The term paper will count as
much as 155 points of your final point total. Term paper submissions must be double-spaced, use 12 point
font, and follow APA guidelines.
The topic for the term paper is as follows:
Aside from plain view, locating physical evidence must be done through some kind of search. Identify four different types of searches
addressed in the text (ex.: warrantless searches, consent searches, probable cause searches of motor
vehicles, etc.), the features of each, how they differ, and what must be done to obtain evidence legally
under each type of search. Are these legal requirements effective or should there be different standards?
Papers must include at least 3 sources. Ask.com and Wikipedia are not appropriate sources for your
paper, and use of these will result in a major point deduction. Grades for assignments will be based on a variety of factors including grammar, spelling, length, and content
(including thoroughness of answer as well as critical thought and analysis) and proper use of APA format. This
includes using third-person instead of first-person. See the grading rubric below for more detail.
This paper should be NO LESS than 4 full pages of text (does not include cover sheet, abstract (not required),
references, or any appendices – in other words, the body of the paper should be at least 4 full pages) and be
Times New Roman 12 point font. That does not mean 3.5 pages. If you choose to cut corners and turn in less
than the required minimum, your grade will suffer immensely. For each page you choose not to turn in, I will
deduct a minimum of 10 points from your grade before I even start grading for content.
Finally, all papers must be uploaded as in the appropriate area under the “Assignments” tab in Canvas. If you
turn in your paper via email it will not be graded. Using the assignment tab enables me to give you feedback
on your paper. Because the assignment and due date is posted on the first day of the semester, late work
will not be accepted for any reason.
Grading Ruberic
Page Requirements – 40 pts, 10 points for each full page up to the required number (up to 40 maximum points)
0-40, with 0= Less than 1 full page & 40= At least 4 full pages Score: ______
Title Page – 10 pts, Is there a title page? Does it conform to APA standards?
0-10, with 0= No title page & 10= Complete title page conforming to APA Score: ______
Introduction – 15 pts, Does the adequately introduce the topic? Is it clear from the introduction what direction the student is
going to take and what the student is about to discuss?
0-15, with 0= poor/not well written & 15= fully developed, well written Score: ______
Body – 30 pts, Does the student thoroughly explain their position? Does the body of the paper make sense, follow a
logical order, and explain the students opinion based on proper evidence? Is the paper written in third
person? Does the body of the paper conform to APA standards?
0-25, with 0= poorly written & 25= detailed & accurate discussion Score: ______
In-text
Citations – 15 pts, Does the student cite sources and are they correctly attributed to the authors? Do the citations conform to
APA standards? Do the citations match the references listed in the reference page (name, date, etc.)?
0-15, with 0= poor/no citations & 15= correct form and style of citations Score: ______
Spelling/Grammar 10
Are there any spelling and/or grammar errors?
0-10, with 0= more than 10 spelling/grammar errors & 10= no errors Score: ______
Conclusion – 15 pts, Does the conclusion restate the problem and the student’s position? Does it adequately summarize the
paper?
0-15, with 0= no conclusion & 15= well written conclusion Score: ______
Reference Page – 20 pts, Are there at least 3 overall references, 2 of which are peer reviewed references? Is there a reference page?
Does it include all references cited in the proposal? Do references and reference page conform to APA
standards?
0-20, with 0= no reference page & 20= references and page very good Score: ______
Total Score: __/155
