+1 862 207 3288 RESEARCH PAPER
**Required Topic: Are” Three Strikes Laws” fair? Yes or No
**The paper must have the following 8 sections and format:
Title Page (separate page)
Title of paper, name, class information
Abstract (separate page)
An indented single-spaced paragraph (no more than 150 words) that summarizes the idea of the paper and general findings/ideas.
Introduction
(1/2 – 1 page) How and why is this topic significant? Include a thesis statement.
Background on the Topic
(1 – 1 1/2 pages) Describe the history around this topic and potential changes that have taken place that may have contributed to the issue as it stands today
Analysis
(5 pages) Explain the various issues regarding your particular subject from an objective standpoint, presenting both sides of the issue. Separate each issue with headings. Be concise. Choose multiple important points that are backed with credible sources.
Discussion & Policy Implications
(1 – 1 1/2 page) This is a critical thinking section and is very important. This should be an objective assessment of the research you have presented and an overview of how this issue will influence the criminal justice system in he future. You should discuss what type of research/findings have been done on this topic and whether that research is relevant. Be sure to include what types of further research may be beneficial in the future. You should also discuss what type of policy implications this topic may have regarding politics, economics and criminal justice.
Conclusion
(1/2 – 3/4 page) Sum up your analysis and discussion.
References (separate page)
All sources used in the in-text citations should be fully documented on this page in APA format (double-spaced in alphabetical order by author)
• Papers must be 8-10 pages (No less than 8 FULL pages OF TEXT).
o The paper must have a cover page (not included in page count).
o The paper must have a reference page (not included in page count).
• APA style should be used for all citations and formatting (IN-TEXT CITATIONS MUST BE USED FOR ALL SOURCE MATERIAL within the text of the paper).
o **each in-text citation must have a corresponding source on the reference page and each source on the reference page must have a corresponding in-text citation – failure to cite sources within the text will result in a major reduction in grade).
• Margins should be 1” on all sides.
• Font must be 12 point Times New Roman or Arial.
• At least 7 references must be utilized:
o 3 of the required sources must be academic journal articles (failure to utilize at least 3 academic journal articles will result in a major loss of points).
o Other Acceptable references:
▪ Journal articles
▪ Government publications/reports/statistics (i.e. National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS), Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Dept. of Justice (DOJ), Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Dept of Corrections, etc.).
▪ Reputable books regarding subject matter expertise
o Secondary sources (newspaper articles, etc.) may be used in addition to the required sources but will not be counted among them.
o NO REQUIRED REFERENCES WILL BE CREDITED FROM BLOG SITES, FORUMS, OR WIKIPEDIA
o No more than 10 quotes (less than 25 words each) is permitted throughout the entire paper.
