My key objectives for the project were to improve my legal research skills with a particular emphasis on the American Westlaw and LexisNexis which are both legal research search engines. In addition, I aimed to try and improve my interpersonal and communication skills. Both of these skills have been met and I am content with the development of these skills.

I have gained a number of different skills that I hope that I can use in my further studies and aspects of my working life. These skills include being able to use electronic programmes and technology which is increasingly important in todays' technological society. In addition, I have learnt how to improve my legal research skills and be able to use international search engines in finding case law and black letter law. This will be particularly important when I am studying this year French Law and if I would like to study abroad in the future. In addition, I have been able to improve my analytical and critical evaluation skills in regards to the data that I have been able to collect. This is important since I would like to do a Masters one day and would be keen to focus on International Criminal Law, so it is important to develop as many research skills as possible. Furthermore, other skills that I have gained include the further development of my written and oral communication skills. In my opinion, this is one of the most crucial skills when studying and further practicing law since it is important to understand the needs of clients and other academics and professionals. Thus, this skill will help me in my working life as I will be able to discuss contentious issues with a variety of people, regardless of their background.

There is not as much that I would do differently in the future since I know that I would like to continue on with my desire to explore study and career options in respect to International Criminal Justice. I believe that by carrying out this project, I further appreciate the importance of the work of defense attorneys in Criminal and Capital Law cases. In addition, I am certain that by completing this project, I would like to study further a Masters or future programme of study in relation to International or American Criminal Justice because I have learned and discovered a great deal with the way in which trials are conducted. Thus, this project has really cemented my desires and allowed me to realise that I can pursue my dreams provided I put in the necessary hard work.

I believe that the URSS experience and project has confirmed my desire to continue to study abroad and my interest in International and American Criminal Justice and Law. I believe that my project and the skills and objectives that I have gained and accomplished has allowed me to further understand the particular area of interest (Death Penalty) and thus I feel more inclined than ever to exercise a greater role in Criminal Justice and Human Rights since the project has confirmed the area of law that I am most interested in.

Sometimes, I would lose a little bit of focus on what I was supposed to be researching and would become so interested in the topic of the death penalty, that I would look and start researching a different area of the death penalty which was not completely relevant to my area of interest. This is still an important learning experience because, as academics, often we are so engrossed in our area of interest, that sometimes, one can be diverted. Thus, I did have some unexpected outcomes in regards to some areas that I was researching, however, I was quickly able to get back on track and came up with reasonable expected data collection and results teaching me the importance of focus and relevance when researching a specific area of such a broad subject topic.

The highlights of my URSS Experience included writing the abstract, research paper as well as completing the poster. I was a little unsure as to how to begin, however, since this subject area is something which really interests me, I wanted to make sure that I could do as good a job as possible. Therefore, the poster is something that will allow people to understand the area of the death penalty since it is such a contentious and controversial issue which can evoke emotion and thus it was important for me to convey that through these means of communication.

I only encountered certain difficulties in regard to lack of focus on the specific topic within my subject area. In overcoming them, I learned the importance of always going back to initial thoughts and the gameplan that I had conducted at the very beginning before my research even began. As a consequence, I was able to quickly get back on track. In addition, another difficulty that I faced was that sometimes I realised that I would not be allowed, by law, to publish opinions and interviews that had taken place between me and other members of the legal field. Therefore, I decided to alter the way in which I would conduct my research. This showed how important is is to be flexible when undergoing an academic research project since it is still difficult to plan too far in advance.

I am very content that I decided to complete a project with the URSS and the experience has taught me a great deal for my own personal development as well as for my future academic and work life. I have gained a number of skills and have met a lot of different students who are studying a variety of degrees and are researching a number of different areas, demonstrating to me that we are all part of the same community, with the same objectives and goals, even if we are looking into such different and diverse research areas. I believe that it is appropriate and benefiical to complete a poster and abstract to portray the results that one has found, since this is a necessary means of communication to those who may not understand how specific subject areas. As a result, I look forward to sharing with others that which I have discovered this summer in relation to the Death Penalty and the American Criminal Justice System as a whole.

My top three tips include: It is important to start planning as early as possible and to have a gameplan so that you know and understand the direction and path that your project will be taking. In addition, it is important to always focus and understand your end goal in your journey towards what you had initially planned. This second tip is crucial because sometimes, when researching, one can go beyond the surface and start researching something which is not as relevant as it should be. Thus, focusing is an important part of the journey. My third tip would be that it is important to try and develop skills that you might not in your academic studies. Whilst, the URSS Project is ultimately a research project, it is something that is fun and you have chose to look at a particular area of interest so it is an opportunity to try and step out of your comfort zone and focus on skills that you may not believe you can improve or develop. This will allow for more success on the long run.