Marijuana use in the United States is a controversial topic, in part because laws vary from state to state. In some states, it is completely legal; in others, it is completely illegal. There are also states where the distinction is blurred, where marijuana is legalized for medicinal purposes or decriminalized. View this Map of Marijuana Legality by State for an overview of how laws vary.
In this discussion, we will explore how laws affect discretionary decisions in criminal justice. First, research the marijuana laws in your state:
- Go to State Laws
- Click on your state
- Under "Criminal Laws," click on "Marijuana Laws"
Next, read the scenario below and consider your discretionary powers regarding the laws:
You are a police officer on routine patrol in the state where you reside. It's 11:00 p.m. and while touring your beat, you observe a woman standing on the sidewalk smoking a "joint." After conducting a field interview, you discover the woman is directly in front of her home, is 45 years of age, and smokes recreationally. The only marijuana she has in her possession is the joint, which is less than 10 grams. Depending on the state you live in, you have several options for how to proceed. What do you do?
In your initial post, provide a brief overview of the marijuana laws in your state. Be sure to cite any laws using APA style. Describe how you would proceed in the scenario above. Explain how the marijuana laws in your state affect your decision. Do the laws limit your discretionary power? How do the laws inhibit or rely on discretion? What situational or external factors may affect your decision?
In your response to two of your peers, state if you agree or disagree with how they would proceed in the scenario and explain why, keeping in mind the marijuana laws in their state. You may also want to provide additional rationale regarding how the laws inhibit or rely on discretion, or external factors to consider. Remember to always be respectful when replying to peers, even if you do not agree with their stance or rationale.
References
DISA Global Solutions. (2019). Map of Marijuana Legality by State. Retrieved from https://disa.com/map-of-marijuana-legality-by-stateState Laws. (2019). Retrieved from https://statelaws.findlaw.com/
To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric document
5/16/23, 4:26 PM Undergraduate Discussion Rubric – CJ-230-T5246 Discretion in Criminal Justice 23EW5
https://learn.snhu.edu/d2l/le/content/1310359/viewContent/24202042/View 1/2
Undergraduate Discussion Rubric
Undergraduate Discussion Rubric
Overview
Your ac�ve par�cipa�on in the discussions is essen�al to your overall success this term. Discussion ques�ons will help you make
meaningful connec�ons between the course content and the larger concepts of the course. These discussions give you a chance to
express your own thoughts, ask ques�ons, and gain insight from your peers and instructor.
Direc�ons
For each discussion, you must create one ini�al post and follow up with at least two response posts.
For your ini�al post, do the following:
Write a post of 1 to 2 paragraphs.
In Module One, complete your ini�al post by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
In Modules Two through Eight, complete your ini�al post by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. of your local �me zone.
Consider content from other parts of the course where appropriate. Use proper cita�on methods for your discipline when
referencing scholarly or popular sources.
For your response posts, do the following:
Reply to at least two classmates outside of your own ini�al post thread.
In Module One, complete your two response posts by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
In Modules Two through Eight, complete your two response posts by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. of your local �me zone.
Demonstrate more depth and thought than saying things like “I agree” or “You are wrong.” Guidance is provided for you in
the discussion prompt.
Rubric
Criteria Exemplary Proficient Needs Improvement Not Evident Value
Comprehension Develops an ini�al post
with an organized, clear
point of view or idea
using rich and significant
detail (100%)
Develops an ini�al
post with a point of
view or idea using
adequate
organiza�on and
detail (85%)
Develops an ini�al post
with a point of view or
idea but with some
gaps in organiza�on
and detail (55%)
Does not develop an
ini�al post with an
organized point of
view or idea (0%)
40
Timeliness N/A Submits ini�al post on
�me (100%)
Submits ini�al post one
day late (55%)
Submits ini�al post
two or more days
late (0%)
10
Engagement Provides relevant and
meaningful response
posts with clarifying
explana�on and detail
Provides relevant
response posts with
some explana�on and
detail (85%)
Provides somewhat
relevant response posts
with some explana�on
and detail (55%)
Provides response
posts that are
generic with li�le
explana�on or detail
30
CJ-230-T5246 Discretion in Criminal Justice 23EW5
5/16/23, 4:26 PM Undergraduate Discussion Rubric – CJ-230-T5246 Discretion in Criminal Justice 23EW5
https://learn.snhu.edu/d2l/le/content/1310359/viewContent/24202042/View 2/2
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explana�on and detail
(100%)
detail (85%) and detail (55%) explana�on or detail
(0%)
Wri�ng
(Mechanics)
Writes posts that are
easily understood, clear,
and concise using proper
cita�on methods where
applicable with no errors
in cita�ons (100%)
Writes posts that are
easily understood
using proper cita�on
methods where
applicable with few
errors in cita�ons
(85%)
Writes posts that are
understandable using
proper cita�on
methods where
applicable with a
number of errors in
cita�ons (55%)
Writes posts that
others are not able
to understand and
does not use proper
cita�on methods
where applicable
(0%)
20
Total 100%
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