Order 1025689: an in-depth legal analysis of a law

AJ 107: Concepts of Criminal Law Research Paper Instructions

What is a research paper? A research paper is one in which you have identified a topic, have researched what others have written about that topic, and (at the end of your paper) have taken a position of your own about elements of the topic. All research papers should have a thesis (more on this later), which becomes the starting point for your research. You support your thesis by presenting referenced information from reliable sources, such as books, periodicals, journals, newspapers, on-line databases, academic/scholarly web sites, etc. Important Note: Wikipedia is not an acceptable research source. Ever. All referenced material, whether paraphrased (put in your own words) or quoted, must be cited properly in MLA format. All research papers must contain proper MLA in-text citation as well as a Works Cited page. This

is a standard college-level writing requirement. There are writing resources available to you in our “Research Paper Instructions and Resources” Module.

For additional help on writing your research papers, please visit the SBCC Writing Center located in the Cartwright Learning Resources Center. This is the building on the West Campus closest to the footbridge. Walk into the building and enter the CLRC to the left. The library is to the right. Hours: Mon. – Thur.: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Fri.: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

You can also access a lot of helpful materials by going to their website at:

http://www.sbcc.edu/clrc/writing_center/index.php

AJ 107: Concepts of Criminal Law Research Paper TOPIC Instructions

Choose a topic that interests and challenges you. Your attitude towards the topic often determines the amount of effort and enthusiasm you put into your research. If you are uncertain as to what is expected of you in completing your research paper assignments, re-read your assignment sheets carefully or ask me. That’s what I'm here for! Select a subject you can manage. Avoid topics that have only a narrow range of source materials. Your topic is to be an in-depth legal analysis of a law that has been discussed in lectures or in your textbook. Specifically, you will critically analyze the various legal rulings and interpretations surrounding your law.

You need to develop a thesis statement based upon your topic.

The thesis statement summarizes the main point of your paper and is often phrased as a question that you then answer through your research. The thesis is normally found at the end of the paper's introductory paragraph(s). It is usually a single sentence and acts as a guide to let your audience know the central idea of your research and to know what to expect in the body of your paper. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

Thesis Statement Example:

How has California’s Stalking Law, Penal Code Section 646.9, been applied since it was created in 1990?

AJ 107: Concepts of Criminal Law Research Paper

The following assignment is worth a possible 100 points and MUST BE TURNED IN TO CANVAS. Your final paper must be at least 1800 words (1800 words is considered “average” for grading purposes) in length, excluding your Works Cited page, and include the following information: 1. Introduction A. Identify/explain your topic. You should include a thesis statement. Thesis Statement Example: How has California’s Stalking Law, Penal Code Section 646.9, been applied since it was created in 1990? B. Describe your reason for selecting your topic. (What aspects of the topic do you find interesting: legal, historical, sociological, psychological, political, etc.) Also, identify where in the text (page number) or in which class lecture your topic was discussed.

2. Facts - This will be the bulk of your paper A. Analyze the creation, application, and current status of your legal issue.

1.) From a historical legal perspective (when, why and how it was created), and 2.) From a contemporary legal perspective (how is your legal issue dealt with today – how has it evolved from when it was created?).

B. Court Cases: As a law class, you must necessarily focus on a legal analysis of your topic. As

such: You must include at least four actual cases where this law has been interpreted, applied, and adjudicated (trial process ended with a verdict). Example: If you chose to study Penal Code section 646.9, you could analyze the cases involving the conviction of Robert John Bardo (California v. Bardo) and State v. Cardell.

1.) Clearly identify the official court case name: i.e., “California v. Bardo.” It is not

acceptable to just refer to a case you read about in an article, i.e., “The Rebecca Schaeffer case.”

2.) Describe and explain how your four cases demonstrate how the law is applied. C. Conclusion – your thoughts based upon your research.

3. Identify at least four sources (only one textbook) in proper Works Cited format. Your final paper will be graded on the depth and rigor of your research, continuity of ideas, critical thinking, MLA format, and college-level writing. Special Note: Your final paper must contain proper MLA in-text citation and Works Cited. Any final paper without MLA format will automatically fail. No exceptions. There are numerous links on our Canvas page to assist students who need help with their writing or MLA format. I am also willing to proof read reports up to four days before the due date.

Research Paper Grading Rubric – AJ 107: Concepts of Criminal Law

Criteria

Excellent Adequate Unacceptable Points

Format

Followed instructions exactly. Well over 1800 words (-works cited), 12 point font, double-spaced, 1-in. margins, at least four sources, proper works cited included. (17-20 points) [ ]

Generally followed instructions with some deviations in format such as barely met word count, too few sources, or improper works cited format. (13-16 points) [ ]

Failed to follow instructions in significant way, unacceptably short in length (less than 1800 words) or no works cited. (0-12 points) [ ]

Writing

Few to no errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation (less than two per page). Writing is clear & coherent. Smooth flow and transitions. References properly cited as per MLA. (17-20 points) [ ]

Some errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, or citation (less than three per page). Writing sometimes confusing but generally understandable. (13-16 points) [ ]

Numerous errors in spelling, grammar, and/or punctuation (at least four per page). Serious errors in MLA reference citation. Writing is unclear or confusing. (0-12 points) [ ]

Content

Exceptional use of discipline terms & grasp of topic. Clear, accurate, & thorough explanation of concepts and laws. Arguments precise and relevant. (35-40 points) [ ]

Sufficient explanation of arguments, concepts, law & topic but somewhat lacking in development & detail, or includes some inaccuracies/irrelevancies. (30-34 points) [ ]

Unacceptable topic for course. Inappropriate use of discipline terms; shows little grasp of topic. Serious errors and/or omissions of major points or less than four cases. (0-29 points) [ ]

Critical

Thinking

Explicit & sustained analysis beyond generalities. Attention to elements of unbiased reason. Examples and supporting detail impressive. (17-20 points) [ ]

Some attempt at an analysis of the material but contains claims or facts lacking development, details and examples. Some indication of biased analysis. (15-16 points) [ ]

Lacking in analysis based on objective research. Strong evidence of poor critical thinking skills. Little use of facts, examples, & supporting details. (0-14 points) [ ]

PLAGIARISED: NO M.L.A. SOURCE CITATION IN TEXT OR NOT ORIGINAL WORK

Automatic Fail:

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