Final product





Proposal and calendar



Introduction and statement of purpose



My final product will be an in-depth analysis and research on federal evidence in the field of law, presented through the platform of a website and interactive quiz. This product will thoroughly describe everything that one might need to know about evidence as a whole. This facet of law is one of the utmost importance, and often times, one that is widely misunderstood. My goal is to gain necessary, real-world knowledge and primary information in order obtain a clearer understanding of what it means to be a criminal attorney, not only for myself, but for the public as well.

By applying and adapting my skills of research, I will gain invaluable knowledge by creating a product that is not only tactile and relevant to a study of the field, but also relevant to most citizens themselves. The website will most likely not be a tool for my mentor, considering the experience and true mastery he has with the information I will be studying is unparalleled to simply reading words on a screen. The quiz aspect of the website will transform the information to become more interactive and approachable to the everyday person. By summarizing the most confusing and surprising concepts I come across in my research in a concise, easy to understand quiz, I will be able to inform the public in an effective, efficient, and engaging manner. The website as whole, with intentions to be exceptionally detailed which covers as many bases as possible, could very well be a reference for anyone in the field, as well.




Skills and methodology



I will mainly focus on researching itself. Evidence is a topic that seems very simple at first, but with a closer probe into what it really lies beneath the surface, there is a lot of depth to discover and understand. From what I know right now, I want to dive into the logistics (classification of evidence), more conceptual issues (why the rules are the way they are), the analysis of past evidence used in well-known, large cases, and incorporate a section of criminal law TV shows that present scenes that involve evidence; I will then break down this information for the viewer. By incorporating all of this into a quiz format, I will also utilize the skills that I will need going forward in a career of law; explaining difficult ideas or rules in a way that makes sense to myself and others. Communicating through words and writings is very critical skill in this field.

With the research ability I developed through the process of my original work, I will apply many of the same basic concepts to this product. However, I aim to be more thorough in every aspect, no corners will be cut. The area of study is very interesting to me, not only because it is something so crucial to understand in any justice or government related field, but it also analyzes the philosophies of objectivity or lack thereof that many people have.



In order to bring my product to completion, I will need to:

  • Research and split into areas of focus, organize discoveries into easily understandable groups

    • Federal Rules of Evidence Overview (very large category, includes collection, etc)

      • Based on the laws as written and how they are organized

    • History/Evolution of Evidence (any rules or changes in laws)

    • Technology/Science and Evidence (DNA, Wiretapping etc.)

    • Misconceptions/Controversies

    • Famous Case Analysis and the Evidence Used

    • TV Show Analysis

    • Interactive Quiz

    • More to come!

  • Thoroughly define ALL terms

  • Pick specific functions that are most pivotal

    • Research further

  • Create skeleton of website

  • Update with newest information

    • Research any missing gaps

  • Post information on website

  • Identify where to get data on certain cases

    • Analyze the evidence used in these

    • Add commentary and develop a position

  • Final touches to website




Conclusion



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The beginning of this process will begin with the generalizing of given facts into concise, easily understood, yet thorough, concepts. In order to overcome bias that systematically exists in my mind, and those of many others, I will have to approach this subject with any open mind and critical eye. Through that, I will recognize bias and subjectivity in the field and dive deeper into the theories that make American law the way that it is. Finally, the information available to me through my mentor or online sources will prove to be valuable as I analyze past cases and the motives behind what evidence was chosen as well as the analysis of the culture of evidence in modern society, such as it is depicted in forms of media like TV shows. By critically analyzing these sources of information, I will apply knowledge from previous research of the topic to break down what is correct or incorrect, and why. It is also important to note that much of the readings that I will be doing are not in terms that I am familiar with. By going out of my comfort zone and learning to comprehend this information, with the help of my mentor, I will come out of the process with a greater grasp on the legal field.


The outcome of my product will be an informative website that breaks down the details of everything a civilian or even an expert might need to know about evidence. By being as thorough as possible, I will not only become more educated and informed, but general public grasping for more into the process of the criminal justice system.. This website will reach a wide audience, and that’s part of the beauty in it. By using concise, yet in-depth language, the everyday reader could make sense of complex legal issues at the tip of a fingertip. In a sense, I will be doing the heavy-lifting of hours and hours or research and present this work to the public. By showcasing the concepts in a way unique to me, I am also practicing another relevant skill in the field of law; telling a story of facts in my own way. Also, by mastering the topic of evidence, I will be able to much easier get a grasp on the other aspects of the field.




CALENDAR





February, 6th- Discuss questions about logistics Product Proposal itself

February, 12th- Final Draft of Product Proposal and Calendar

February, 16th- 2 hours logged of basic research in Product Log

February, 19th- 6 hours logged in Product Log

February, 25th-Skeleton of Website created (with headings)

March, 11th- Two case studies completed

March, 26th- 16 hours logged in Product Log & Product Progress Assessment

April, 6th- Mentor Log Signed, Start creating QUIZ

April, 22nd- Final data and information inserted into website (including link to finished quiz)

May, 4th- Last touches made to website May, 7th- Final Product Due!


McKenzie Porter