Distinguished - The introduction and thesis statement are thoroughly and comoprehensively developed, giving a clear direction and purpose of the paper.

Proficient - The introduction and thesis statement are developed, giving some direction and purpose of the paper.

Basic - The introduction and thesis statement are present, and somewhat give direction and purpose of the paper.

Below Expectations - The introduction and thesis statement are present, though incomplete. The direction and purpose of the paper is unclear.

Non-Performance - The introduction and thesis statement are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - The body of the outline includes all key points, using sub categories where appropriate. The key points address one branch of the criminal justice system and are fully supported with scholarly references. The key points and scholarly references are clearly aligned to the thesis.

Proficient - The body of the outline includes many key points, using sub categories where appropriate. The key points address one branch of the criminal justice system and are supported with scholarly references. The key points and scholarly references are aligned to the thesis.

Basic - The body of the outline includes some key points, using sub categories where appropriate. The key points address one branch of the criminal justice system and are mostly supported with references. The key points and references are only somewhat aligned to the thesis.

Below Expectations - The body of the outline includes some key points. The key points address more than one branch of the criminal justice system, are not supported by scholarly references, or the key points and references do not align with the thesis.

Non-Performance - The body of the outline is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Develops a clear and comprehensive conclusion that provides an exceptional and significant perspective on the key points presented in the outline. The thesis statement is restated in the conclusion.

Proficient - Develops a clear conclusion that provides a significant perspective on the key points present in the outline. The thesis statement is restated in the conclusion.

Basic - Develops a somewhat clear conclusion that provides perspective on the key points presented in the outline. The thesis statement may be restated in the conclusion.

Below Expectations - A conclusion is present, though incomplete, and provides an insufficient perspective on the key points presented in the outline. The thesis statement may not be restated in the conclusion.

Non-Performance - The conclusion is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly summarizes a minimum of five scholarly references. The summarized references visibly relate to the stated thesis or central argument. At least three sources are utilized from the specified search databases.

Proficient - Summarizes a minimum of five scholarly references. The summarized references relate to the stated thesis or central argument. At least three sources are utilized from the specified search databases. The summaries are slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Minimally summarizes at least four scholarly references. The summarized references may loosely relate to the stated thesis or central argument. At least three sources are utilized from the specified search databases. The summaries are underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to summarize at least four scholarly references; however, not all references relate to the stated thesis or central argument. Less than three sources are utilized from the specified search databases and/or the summaries are significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The annotated bibliography is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors, and is very easy to understand.

Proficient - Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors, and is mostly easy to understand.

Basic - Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors, which may slightly distract the reader.

Below Expectations - Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors, which distract the reader.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.

Proficient - Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors.

Basic - Exhibits basic knowledge of APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all APA requirements.

Below Expectations - Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of APA formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to distinguish as APA.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Uses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Proficient - Uses required number of scholarly sources to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Basic - Uses less than the required number of sources to support ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are used within the body of the assignment. Citations may not be formatted correctly.

Below Expectations - Uses inadequate number of sources that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are not used within the body of the assignment. Citations are not formatted correctly.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.