Assignment 1

Assignment: Predicting Precedent Based on History

Continuing with the cell phone example from the Discussion, certain issues related to society’s adoption

of smartphones continue to evolve. In addition to global positioning, cell phone cameras have the ability

to record interactions with law enforcement. That simple act actually presents a wide array of still

unresolved issues, from public trust in law enforcement to law enforcement’s own ability or confidence

to act in such a transparent environment. Is there any precedent for these types of issues? If so, how

could they inform a path forward? In this Assignment, you examine the past to predict the future.

To prepare:

 Identify a contemporary issue or case that exemplifies an emerging or evolving issue or problem

that will affect how law enforcement is applied in the future.

o The contemporary issue does not need to be a “current event” from the news now. An

issue that is a few years old is acceptable, and in fact, may have more research available.

 Find two more sources for your paper to add to the three used in your annotated bibliography.

 Keep these tips in mind:

o This choice does not need to be from a current event from recent months. You may

choose an item that has evolved over recent years or even decades, understanding that

certain issues take longer to evolve.

o The choice of an issue for this Assignment differs from the Discussion in that the

Discussion asks you to work with an event or decision for which you use present

circumstances to “trace backward” a prediction. This Assignment is asking you to choose

an issue that has been evolving over time and may not be resolved, in order to make

your own evidence-based prediction.

By Day 7

Write a 750-word paper that identifies a contemporary issue or case that exemplifies an emerging issue

or problem that will affect how law enforcement is applied in the future. Address the following in

relation to that issue:

 Explain how past events or circumstances inform or relate to the contemporary issue. If past

events do not relate to the contemporary issue, explain why, and explain how the issue evolved

independently. To answer these prompts, address the following:

o Is there a historic precedent for the issue?

o Is the issue one that has never been resolved?

 Explain the role law enforcement historically has played in the contemporary issue.

 Explain the role law enforcement currently has in relation to the issue.

 Explain how these various factors point to a precedent, decision, and/or policy that will affect

law enforcement in the future.

Be sure to support your responses with evidence from five sources, three of which can be the sources

that you found in Week 1