Due Date: 11:59 p.m. EST, Sunday of Unit 3
Points: 100
Overview:
One of the goals of using proper systematic methodology when examining a fire scene is to allow it to
hold up to scrutiny during any judicial proceedings. Precedent setting court cases set the example for
what is considered “proper” conduct. One of the landmark cases in the field of Fire Investigation is
“Michigan v Tyler” which was decided in 1978.
Instructions:
Read the supreme court case, Michigan v. Tyler, in the Readings and Resources section.
Discuss:
o This case is testing the limits of constitutional rights under the fourth amendment. What is
the fourth amendment and, in this case, how does it apply to the fire investigator?
o What are three different legal ways that a fire investigator can enter a scene to collect
evidence? Provide examples of each.
o Do you feel the initial entry into the scene after the fire was legal and appropriate? What
about the return the next morning?
o Imagine you could go back in time and work with Chief See and Detective Webb on this
investigation. As a group, what would you recommend you do differently?
Requirements:
Minimum three pages in length, excluding the Title and Reference page.
APA format, including an in-text citation for referenced works.
At least two resources.
Be sure to read the criteria by which your work will be evaluated before you write and again after
you write.
© 2021 Post University, Waterbury, CT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Fire Investigation
and the Judiciary
CRJ344 – Fire & Arson
Investigation
Evaluation Rubric for Fire Investigation and the Judiciary Assignment
CRITERIA Deficient Needs
Improvement
Proficient Exemplary
(0-38 points) (39-51 points) (52-64 points) (65 points)
Content Does not cover
the assigned
topic; assertions
are not supported
by evidence;
paper is seriously
lacking in content
and detail.
Does not do an
adequate job of
covering the
assigned topic;
assertions are
weakly supported
by evidence.
Sufficient
coverage of the
topics; most
assertions are
supported by
evidence.
Provides in-depth
coverage of the
topics, assertions
are clearly
supported by
evidence.
(0-5 points) (6-7 points) (8-9 points) (10 points)
Resources No resources
included.
Includes at least 1
resource.
Includes at least 2
resources.
Includes more
than 2 resources.
Paper Length Less than one
page. Does not
meet page
requirements.
Does not meet the
minimum page
requirements.
Meets the
minimum
requirements.
Exceeds the
minimum
requirements.
(0-8 points) (9-11 points) (12-14 points) (15 points)
Clear and
Professional
Writing and APA
Format
Errors impede
professional
presentation;
guidelines not
followed. APA
references/citation
s have significant
errors.
Significant errors
that do not impede
professional
presentation. Sev
eral errors in the
APA
reference/citation.
Few errors that do
not impede
professional
presentation. Few
errors in the APA
reference/citation.
Writing and format
are clear,
professional, APA
compliant, and
error free.
© 2021 Post University, Waterbury, CT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
