research paper

The core aim of this course is to have students gain general knowledge of the development of the U.S. Judicial System as it relates to U.S. prisons, inclusive of an appreciation of its complexity, and at the same time, recognize that notwithstanding this complexity coupled with the pros and cons of its present form, the process for the most part works. Compared to the rest of the world, the U.S. Prison System can still tote the title of “the best” system one could hope for at this time. The individual assignment requires that students write an eight- to ten-page paper and create an accompanying presentation discussing and analyzing the relationship between due process and prisoner disciplinary actions in the United States with an emphasis on determining if prisoners’ liberty interests are at risk. Guidelines will be discussed beginning with day one of the class meeting; students are strongly encouraged to begin the process toward completing this task immediately. Much of the discussions to support this assignment will unfold in the weeks ahead.
 
The paper should include
 
               An introduction to the topichere the reader will quickly grasp not only the topic, but the issue.
               A literature review relevant to the approach the student will take and the question at hand.
               A discussion of the issues supporting the writer’s stance or a brief general discussion of the components followed by a more focused view on the segment they believe supports their core argument.
               A brief discussion of the future as perceived by the writer
               Recommendations (to be addressed in more detail in class)
 
Possible approach to the paper:
               Introduction
o        Boundaries of the problem
o        Research question
o        Importance of study
               Review of Literature
o        Some historical perspective
o        Current views
o        Current problems found or identified in the literature
               Method
o        Something of your own procedure in completing this paper
o        What did you do? (Essentially, your process)
o        What was your focus?
               Results/Findings
 
               Discussion
o        Importance of your own finding(s)
o        Any limitations encountered
o        Implications for the field/area
o        Policy suggestion/recommendation
               Conclusion
 
The final paper should be between eight and ten pages in length and written in 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font in APA format. Double spacing is required and margins should conform to one-inch. Students should refrain from bolding the final print. Additionally, each page should be numbered, and page number one should be a full page. Citations in the body of the document and in the appropriate places are expected. In the event students find it useful to directly quote someone else’s work, in instances that necessitate more than a type-written line, they are advised that this needs to adhere to the following format: indented, single-spaced type, and a lower font than 12 point, possibly 10 or 8 minimum.
 
A separate cover page is required; this should have the student’s name, the name of the course complete with course number, and meeting day and time. In addition, the name of the instructor should be included. This title page will not be included in the eight to ten pages required for this assignment.
 
A minimum of four sources and a bibliography page are also required. Please note that students have access to APA guidelines on the Internet if they do not have an APA manual (students are not required to purchase one for this class).