Trial consultants conduct research related to jury profiling. They must be able to investigate statistics, build profiles of potential jurors, and report accurate data to a trial team who selects the jurors for a case. In this assessment, you research statistics and write an investigative report that explains the impact of policies and procedures on those of diverse backgrounds and makes evidence-based recommendations to a trial team who is looking to reduce disparities based on gender, race, and ethnicity in the trial process.

Preparation

Research at least 2 scholarly sources, other than the textbook, that provide statistical demographic information for sentencing and corrections. Use the websites of your local or federal agencies to find the most recent data.

Assignment Deliverable

Using local or federal statistics on sentencing and corrections, write a 700- to 1,050-MS word (no PDF, Links or posts in the content box) investigative report as if you were a trial consultant investigating policies and procedures and their impact on those of diverse backgrounds. Your report should explain current data regarding disparities in sentencing based on gender, race, and ethnicity, and make recommendations to the trial team about reducing these disparities in the trial process.

Include the following information, with supportive examples from your research, in your report:

• Describe the gender, racial, and ethnic group demographic information for the following in your area:
• Criminal sentences handed down in court
• Corrections institutions (both prisons and jails)
• Probation and parole populations
• Explain the gender, racial, and ethnic disparities found in sentencing. Address whether there is disparity in who receives probation versus incarceration.
• Describe how biases might affect courtroom proceedings, such as a bail/bond proceeding, pretrial proceeding, first appearance, and legal representation (e.g., having a private lawyer instead of a public defender).
• Propose at least 1 recommendation for how to address gender disparities and at least 1 recommendation for how to address the racial and ethnic disparities in the areas discussed.

Cite at least 2 scholarly sources, other than the textbook, in your report. Format your citations according to APA guidelines.

Step-by-Step Guideline for Your Investigative Report

1. Understand the Assignment Requirements

• Word count: 700–1,050 words (no PDFs or links, submit as a Word document).

• Perspective: Write as a trial consultant preparing an investigative report.

• Focus: How policies and procedures affect diverse groups in sentencing and corrections.

• Must: Use at least 2 scholarly sources (not your textbook) + official statistics (local or federal).

• Structure: Clear headings, evidence-based discussion, recommendations.

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2. Gather Data and Sources

• Statistics: Look at your local Department of Corrections or the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) for sentencing, prison, jail, probation, and parole data.

• Scholarly Sources: Use peer-reviewed journals from Google Scholar, ProQuest, or your library. Look for research on racial/ethnic/gender disparities in sentencing.

• Tip: Save citation details now so you can format in APA later.

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3. Outline Your Report

Use this outline to keep your writing organized:

1. Title Page (APA format)

   • Title, your name, institution, course, instructor, date.

2. Introduction (1 paragraph)

   • State the purpose of the report.

   • Mention disparities in sentencing as the focus.

3. Demographic Overview (2–3 paragraphs)

   • Describe gender, racial, and ethnic breakdowns in:

     • Sentences handed down in court.

     • Prison and jail populations.

     • Probation and parole rolls.

   • Use local and/or federal data.

4. Disparities in Sentencing (2–3 paragraphs)

   • Explain observed disparities.

   • Discuss whether some groups are more likely to receive probation vs incarceration.

   • Give examples supported by data.

5. Impact of Bias in Courtroom Proceedings (1–2 paragraphs)

   • Explain how bias can influence:

     • Bail/bond.

     • Pretrial hearings.

     • First appearance.

     • Legal representation (public vs. private attorney).

6. Recommendations (2 paragraphs)

   • One recommendation for gender disparities (e.g., family-centered alternatives, trauma-informed approaches).

   • One recommendation for racial/ethnic disparities (e.g., bias training, equitable diversion programs).

7. Conclusion (1 paragraph)

   • Summarize findings.

   • Reinforce the importance of reducing disparities in the trial process.

8. References (APA format)

   • At least 2 scholarly articles + official statistics site.

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4. Write the Report

• Stick to formal, professional language—you are writing as a consultant.

• Use headings for clarity.

• Support every claim with a statistic or citation.

• Keep within 700–1,050 words.

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5. Format in APA Style

• Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced.

• In-text citations: (Author, Year).

• Reference page: alphabetized, hanging indent.

Example:

Ghandnoosh, N. (2023). One in five: Racial disparity in imprisonment—causes and remedies. The Sentencing Project. https://www.sentencingproject.org

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6. Final Review Before Submission

• Run spell check and grammar check.

• Verify word count (excluding references).

• Ensure all citations match reference list.

• Read aloud once for clarity.

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Helpful Resources

• Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) – official sentencing and corrections data.

• The Sentencing Project – racial disparities in sentencing.

• APA Style Guide (7th ed.) – formatting help.

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