FINAL PAPER RUBRIC AND INSTRUCTIONS
(7 pages minimum to 10 pages maximum) on a significant legal issue/topic from the course.
Rubric -Research Paper Assignment
Final paper must include the following:
Title page with your name, course, date, etc.
Analytical essay with a labeled “Introduction” (including thesis), a body of supporting
evidence and a “Conclusion.”
In-text citations of sources and “References/Bibliography/cases cited” page to identify them (use at least 5 federal cases, scholarly journal articles, and/or books, primary sources, etc., be VERY careful about internet sources). Do NOT use Wikipedia!
Use Westlaw to help locate cases.
Introduction – a clear explanation of the thesis statement/legal research topic should be included in the opening paragraph of your introduction that you will support and explain in your paper. This should be written as an interesting lead that will capture the reader’s attention and identify the focus of your paper. (15 points)
Analytical essay/legal research paper – examines, explains, explores, and expands the topic with cases.
You should provide a thoughtful interpretation and detailed, insightful understanding of the material cited in your paper. (30 points)
Conclusion – summarizes what was learned and answers the most significant questions on your topic. (15 points)
In-text citations – When you use examples and quotes to support your points, make sure your cites correctly attribute all direct quotes, paraphrases and facts etc. to the original source of the information. (15 points)
Grammar, typos, spelling, and diction – you must edit your work and be careful to follow proper rules of grammar and good writing. (10 points)
References – You must use at least 5 credible and substantive cases (or other appropriate sources) that you have integrated into the text of your paper; you must list them in correct legal citation form or APA format. Do not use the course textbook in this paper. (15 points)
Sample Research Topics
The Final Paper is a legal research paper on a topic covered in the course. Below are some sample areas where you could do legal case research which serve as examples. This is not an exhaustive list. Any other similar topic from the course can be proposed.
Factual case scenarios involving searches found constitutionally acceptable under the “Terry v. Ohio” “stop and frisk” doctrine
What types of searches are considered reasonable under the Fourth Amendment to obtain physical evidence involving forced bodily intrusions by the police?
Sixth Amendment Right to Counsel during Custodial Interrogation
Cases involving the exclusionary rule and its exceptions
Constitutional safeguards surrounding Pre-trial Identification Procedures
The constitutionality of police surveillance techniques
Constitutional Searches under the Fourth Amendment Incident to a lawful arrest
