Our final exam is an open-ended, 5-6 page (double-spaced, New Times Roman or equivalent font) critical essay. My hope is that this encourages you to pursue a topic in the Philosophy of Law that fascinates you. Your essay should include the following:
Introductory paragraph: Identify a problem or question connected to the class. It should be something that you can answer (or make progress toward answering) in a short assignment. Take a position on the problem or question that you will defend.
If you’re looking for some ideas about problems, think about the last few weeks’ readings, especially topics of free speech, data privacy, civil and uncivil disobedience, neurolaw, abortion, etc. Don’t be afraid to use your discussion posts as a leaping off point for your essay.
Necessary background information: What does your reader need to know to understand the problem and question and following your argument? This will likely include background knowledge about relevant legal and philosophical sources.
Evidence and argument to support your position: Why should we agree with your position? What principles, values, or rights support it?
Careful attention to counterarguments: What would someone who disagrees with your position respond? How would you respond to this person?
The meaningful incorporation of at least two sources from the class readings. You are welcome to use additional sources, if appropriate. Make sure you reference your sources (any citation style is acceptable, but please do not only include hyperlinks; what is important is that readers are able to identify and access your choices should they choose).
I strongly recommend that you come to office hours or email me with the problem or question you intend to address, your position, and the texts you plan to use. I am also happy to provide feedback on drafts, provided I receive them by the end of the day on Tuesday, June 7.
Grading Criteria
Does your essay clearly identify a problem or question related to the class?
Do you persuasively muster evidence and arguments to support your position on the problem or question?
Is your essay appropriately supported by references to class materials and/or to outside research?
Does the essay thoughtfully engage with class themes (e.g., in the quality of its analysis and argumentation; in how its structure introduces readers to the complexity of the issue)?
Is your essay challenging? Do you take intellectual risk or are you just fulfilling requirements?
Is the organization of the essay clear and appropriate?
Is the presentation professional and error-free (did you proofread and edit it for errors, flow, word choice, etc.)?
The final exam is worth 20% of your final grade.
TOPIC FOR ESSAY
The united states has a broken prison system that creates repeat offenders, it is because of this that I believe that there needs to be a stronger focus on rehabilitation and therapy. Therefore we should should do away with retribution all together
DISCUSSION POST TO CITE IN WORD DOC
