ABSTRACT
This chapter contains some common spelling problems and ways to avoid them in criminal justice professionals' professional writing. Spelling is only one area of consideration in writing a report, but it is an area in which mistakes are easily made that can be highlighted by the defense to make criminal justice professionals look like a fool in court. Anyone can improve spelling and vocabulary skills in a specific work area. Although spelling and word use are separate areas of concern when writing, the two come together when words sound alike but are spelled differently. It is difficult to make many general spelling rules because of the many exceptions in the English language. However, learn the rules, apply them when criminal justice professionals can, and memorize the words that are tricky. Poor spelling can make a mishmash of even a good factual report.
