Crime, Justice and Society
The purpose of the final exam is to allow you to not only obtain information and knowledge about crime, justice and society but also transition you into thinking about what you do with this knowledge. You will write a 4-7 pages double-spaced persuasive/argumentative essay. A persuasive/argumentative essay uses reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. This type of essay must present evidence, facts, empirical data, statistics, theories, or examples, in order to defend one’s claims. You are required to use data you have gathered from your readings over the course of the semester. Outside research is welcomed, but you will be graded on how well you summarize, integrate, and utilize information from the required readings from this course.
Essay Question
You have been named to head the United States Department of Justice. Congratulations. As the U.S. Attorney General you have been asked to give a written report on whether the history and development of criminal laws, court system, and prison system have contributed to tension in race relations in the U.S. and why. As a result you must write a persuasive argument as to whether these histories have impacted current issues in the criminal justice system today (namely within criminal law, courts, and prisons and the social construction of race). To begin to answer this question you must be sure to explain the following: 1) How have conceptions of justice shaped the current criminal justice system? 2) What is the history and development of criminal law in the U.S. and how is it related to current race relations in society today? 3) How is this history also linked to the development of the courts and prison system? 4) Lastly is violent crime related to wealth accumulation and the American dream? Your role is to provide a succinct and precise understanding of this history and how it relates to issues of today regarding race relations in the U.S. You must use evidence from the required readings. You will be graded on your ability to connect the required readings from class to your argument. Please provide concrete examples from the readings to defend your claims.
Directions
Please submit your Final Exam Essay (4 to 7 pages double-spaced) as a Word document in the final exam section.
Final Exam Guidelines
The guidelines for the assignments are as follows:
4-7 pages in length
Submit as Microsoft word (.doc or .docx) document
Double‐spaced
Using Times New Roman 12pt Font
Please no messing with the margins
Formal grammar, syntax and organization are expected
Citations are required using the APA format
Persuasive/Argumentative Essay Information
Steps:
1. Write your thesis statement
2. Gather background information on the topic (from readings)
3. Gather and organize evidence
4. Connect supporting evidential claims
5. Anticipate counterarguments
6. Refute arguments opposed to your view
7. Conclude by restating your argument and thesis
Structure:
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Background Information
Body
Supporting Evidence #1
Supporting Evidence #2
Supporting Evidence #3
Counterargument
Conclusion
Restate and readdress Thesis Statement
Tips:
• Provide a clear, concise, and defined thesis statement in the introduction
• Include clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion
• Provide background information in order to describe the issue at hand
• Give concrete examples for your supporting evidence
• Conclusion does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided
