sociology of law

Final Paper due 5/13

General Directions:

• Pick a court case or law.

• If you picked a court case, explain the who, what, when, why, how of the case

• If you picked a law, explain the who, what, when, why, how of the origin of the law

• Use one text from the first part of the semester to explain the dynamics of the case or the law.

• Use one text from any part of the semester to explain the dynamics of the case or the law.

Specific directions:

Word count minimum must be 1300 words. The essay must have an introduction and conclusion, three sections for each point from the general directions, each section must have a separate heading. You must have a works cited page, and there will be point deductions for spelling and grammar mistakes and/or lack of organization.

Grade Rubric:

Requirement

Description

Point Value

Cover page

Put your essay title and name on a separate page

1

Introduction

At least one paragraph introducing the essay, what will you discuss? Introduce points 1-3 from the general directions above.

3

Case or Law

Explain the who, what, when, why, how of the case or the origin of the law.

4

Classical Theorist

Use one text from the first part of the semester to explain the dynamics of the case or the law

• What is the relevant argument from the author?

• How does it apply to your case or law?

• Why does it help us to understand the social or political dynamics of the case or law?

Answer all questions = full credit

Answer part of the questions = part credit

5

Second Theorist

Use one text from any part of the semester to explain the dynamics of the case or the law.

• What is the relevant argument from the author?

• How does it apply to your case or law?

• Why does it help us to understand the social or political dynamics of the case or law?

Answer all questions = full credit

Answer part of the questions = part credit

5

Conclusion

Compare and contrast these two approaches to your case or law. Did the classical theorist inform the contemporary theorist? Are they in conversation? Do they conceptually overlap or not? How do these theories help us to understand the dynamics or relevance of the case or the law?

5

Works Cited

Scholarly publications from outside of the syllabus are welcome. Non-scholarly texts are discouraged.

You must have a works cited page in any format – ASA, APA, MLA, etc.

See the syllabus for examples

2

Word Count

1300 words minimum

Quotes cannot account for more than 150 words

Depending upon amount of words missing

Grammar, spelling, essay organization

The essay must have five sections with separate section headings.

Points are taken off for frequent spelling and grammar mistakes

Depending upon number of spelling and grammar mistakes

Total points

25