The following 6 Anchor Papers represent a range of score points and are used in conjunction with the rubrics to assess student responses.

Score for Anchor Paper #1: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response is related to the question and shows only minimal knowledge. Fragments of a basic idea are provided (a civil case is just over money, but a criminal case could be over lives); however, this idea is skeletal and incomplete.

Score for Anchor Paper #2: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response shows knowledge of the different standards of proof in civil and criminal trials. Basic ideas are given (a civil case…has a majority of evidence; a criminal case…no doubts; different consequences that being declared guilty bring) a little support (civil case the punishment is most likely a payment in money while in a criminal case a person can go to jail or even get a death penalty).

Score for Anchor Paper #3: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response shows knowledge of the different standards of proof in civil and criminal cases. Basic ideas are provided (a civil case…if there is enough evidence for the plaintiff to prove their case and win; a criminal case looks at the evidence to see if there is enough doubt that the accused isn't guilty; a criminal case is much more extreme) with a little support (A murderer and a neighbor who built on the property next door by a foot should not face {the} same court proceedings.).

Score for Anchor Paper #4: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response shows some understanding of the different standards of proof in civil and criminal cases. Concepts are accurate and supported (in a civil case, there doesn't have to be as much evidence; in a criminal case 'reasonable doubt' means the jury {or judge} has to be almost completely sure). Some evidence of higher order thinking skills is demonstrated through comparing punishments in the two different situations (in a civil case the punishment for being guilty is usually only some money; in a criminal case, the stakes are higher and there needs to be more evidence so innocent people don't go to jail – or even get executed).

Score for Anchor Paper #5: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response shows some understanding of the different standards of proof in civil and criminal cases. Accurate concepts are provided (a civil case…determines if the plaintiff or the defendant was right or wrong; a criminal case is when the petit jury is sure that the defendant committed a misdeameanor or a felony beyond a 'reasonable doubt'). Some evidence of higher order thinking skills is demonstrated in cause-and-effect reasoning (if 'reasonable doubt' was the standard of proof in a civil case then the defendant would be most likely to win) and an example (person sues their neighbor for breaking one of their windows) that further clarifies the issue.

Score for Anchor Paper #6: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response shows understanding of the different standards of proof in civil and criminal cases. Concepts are accurate and well supported (In a civil case…whichever side has the most convincing evidence to support their opinion wins; In a criminal case, the prosecutor must prove the defendant is guilty; if there is a good possibility that the defendant is innocent, he or she is not convicted). Powerful evidence of higher order thinking skills is demonstrated through a comparison of the punishments associated with each case (A criminal could be given the death penalty, while the defendant in a civil case would have to pay damages) and a recognition of the constitutional principles that are involved. (The Bill of Rights protects the rights of the accused in Amendments 5 and 6.)

Additional Scored Student Responses