CRJU 303: Criminal Procedure (Pavlik)

Welcome to this research guide for CRJU 101: The American Criminal Justice System for Dr. Kimberly Pavlik's class!

In this guide, you will find information about Thomas Cooper Library resources and services to help with your course assignments. This page provides general information to help you begin your research. Use the tabs on the left to navigate the research guide.

The Joseph F. Rice School of Law houses the Law Library, which is the largest law library in South Carolina. The Law Library is open to USC students.

Where do you start? Sometimes choosing your topic is part of the research process! Your understanding of a topic may shift and evolve while you explore the scholarly literature.

Start by brainstorming your topic. What angles or subtopics interest you most? Think about the keywords and phrases you could use when searching for information on this topic and make a list – this list can help guide your searches. 

Also consider what kind of information you are looking for as different types of sources will provide different perspectives:

• Scholarly Journal Articles are best for empirical evidence  and peer-reviewed studies.
• Law journal articles often provide detailed examinations of complex legal issues, statutes, and landmark cases. They cover recent court decisions, legislative changes, and emerging legal debates.
• News and Magazine Articles provide context for current events and real world examples.
• Books provide broad coverage and historical context.