Each student will write a final course paper on a criminal justice topic of her/his choosing. Ideally, the topic will be a topic discussed either in class or in a part of the reading materials assigned as part of the course reading requirements. A topic that has not been discussed or assigned as part of the reading may also be a suitable final paper topic, and please check with me prior to beginning your research on a topic that was not covered during the course. Here is a sampling of topics, which you may consider researching and writing a final course paper:
The ethical considerations for reporting crime by the media
Each student has wide latitude in writing this final paper as well as the approach used to research and write on the ethical issues of a particular topic. The final paper should be 5 to 7 type written pages (does not include title page/bibliography/etc). Please use Times Roman 12 point font, and double-space with standard margins when writing the final paper. The final paper is an academic paper, which means that your writing should include multiple sources, and sources should be cited as appropriate in your work. Please include a bibliography that includes
Requirements: 5-7 pages without the title page or bibliography included |
Choose one ethical theory to apply/discuss in regards to your selected topic (1 page)
Ethical theories include Duty and Principle (Kant), Consequentialism/Utilitarianism, Virtue Theory, Stoicism, Hedonism, Ethical Egoism
Personal ethical reflection on the topic i.e. where do you stand ethically on the topic (1 page)
Conclusion (1 page)
Total = 5 to 7 pages
Guiding Questions
The following is a list of guiding questions as you begin to research and write your final paper:
What is the history of the topic?
What are the main ethical issues regarding the topic?
What are the current societal views on the topic i.e. the prevailing views?
Is the topic of concern to the media at this time?
What ethical theory is most applicable to understanding or evaluating the topic?
Do governmental policies provide support or non-support for the topic?
Who are the main stakeholders that are involved in the topic?
What are your personal views on the topic? Your own ethical framework of the topic?
What value matters the most in the topic? E.g. The sanctity of life for the death penalty.
you choose one topic of the list above
Answer preview
Almost four to five out of ten blacks are doubtful that America will ever achieve racial equality. After the first black president, Barack Obama, many Americans were hopeful that the criminal justice system would eventually change, which was not the case. In eight years of power, the period engendered a sense of optimism to many people who saw a future of racial relations. However, that was not the case, as many flashpoints exposed how deep racism divides and reignites the nation. Recent research conducted in 2019 on U.S college and university students showed that only 25% of school leaders viewed racial relations as good with their peers, while 81% rated race relations on their own campus life to be good (Dutt, 2020). That showed that people who do not experience racial oppression lead in the racial narrative regardless of experiences.
