Political Science Term paper OR Brief

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final_paper.docx

Paper OR Brief

Option of writing a Brief OR Paper but it must involve Constitutional Law. Must be 8 to 12 pages.

Instructions for Brief

Brief Template (Include Cover Page with Fictitious Case Info) In the inside, reproduce info on the top of the brief. Use proper citation on brief. – Use US reports. Example…..US vs Gordon 51 US blah blah

Table of Cases must be presented prior to the Introduction – List of Cases and what page they appear in your briefs (this is similar to bibliography). May site articles and “In the Record.” Don’t cite materials that are outside the Record.

I. Introduction – This brief seeks to argue (example)

II. Statement of the Case/Procedural History – Tells you where the case was started – where did it start at? It wouldn’t start at the Supreme Court (generally it starts at a district court).

III. Statement of Facts – Facts of the parties in the case. Examples - On a dark night, in San Bernardino, John took gun and shoot Phil in the face. The cars were driving and crashed at an intersection.

IV. Argument – Must have 2 arguments.

a. Issue

b. Rule

c. Application – Apply the law to the facts

d. Conclusion

V. Conclusion – Ask the court what you want them to do. Example, return to the appeals court to ask for a new trial, etc.

VI. Certificate of Service – Statement that you served a copy of the brief to all parties involved in case. Traditionally it’s done via mailbox rule.

NOTE: Briefs must cite at least 16 sources – No less than 3 books, No less than 5 academic journals, 8 cases

Instructions for Paper

Paper Format (Any style but must have citation - MLA, Chicago, BlueBook)

I. Introduction

II. Hypothesis – Political or Judicial Behavior – Republican Appointees to the court both against abortion rights.

III. Data/Information – Number crunching or observation about behavior of the court on a particular type of case. Show in data information present results.

IV. Analysis – Explain why this happened.

V. Suggestions – Policy Prescriptions

VI. Conclusion – Summarize their results in a couple paragraphs.

VII. Bibliography

NOTE: Papers must cite at least 8 sources – No less than 3 books and No less than 5 academic journals