Rubric and Formatting
Naming the File – First.LastName_415SPR2021Final
DOC. | DOCX. | PFD | Formats accepted only
Cover page
Running Head Title – APA format
Name
Course Name and Number and Semester
Professor Name
Body
Minimum 7 pages | Max 10 pages
12.5 point font | Times New Roman | Georgia | Garamond
Double Spaced, no extra spacing between paragraphs
Use Headings to organize your work
Include page numbers using the footer or page number function in your word processing software.
Work Cited Page
In APA format (see example below)
Do not provided an annotated bibliography
Use each book assigned this semester plus other sources from the research you do in order to write this paper.
At least 8 sources required – 3 is already done – therefore you only need 5 more.
Alexander, Michelle. 2011. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. New York: The New Press Co.
Barnett, Brittany K. 2020. A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom. New York: Crown Press Co.
Latessa, Edward J., and Alexander M. Holsinger. 2016. Correctional Contexts: Contemporary and Classical Readings (5th Edition).
New York: Oxford University Press, Inc.
Pfaff, John. 2017. Locked In: The True causes of mass incarceration and how to achieve real reform. New York: Hachette Book
Group, Inc.
Assignment Introduction
The overreliance on prison as a function to control and correct crime and individuals has certainly surpassed its capacity and its ideal intended reach. Criminal justice reform is a hot topic in our country and globally, but reform efforts have been consistent though not necessarily effective at achieving equity in outcomes nor in application. Over the course of this semester, we have explored incarceration from various angles and should have a better understanding about the purpose, goal, and need for dealing with and handling criminals. Each crime is not created equal and each punishment is not delivered equally across the board even when they are the same from one person to the next. In this paper you need to address the following:
Part I:
Find a reform tactic that you appreciate and thoroughly understand. Define it and introduce it to your reader [assume I am not your reader]. In this first part of your paper, you must lay out in detail how your specific reform tool was designed and how it aims to curve, control, reduce crime or the circumstances of the criminal justice system as it relates to incarceration directly. For example you can address how various policies impact prison, incarceration, and/or parole: [If you want to discuss your topic with me first – Email me and I will set up a session.]
Examples – you can pick whatever topic you want that is an effort of reform within the incarceration/prison space. Put different the reform measure/tactic that you select should direct impact incarceration in America. The list below are just examples, the topics are endless and we have discussed 50 – 100 programs directly and indirectly this semester. Therefore be creative and do your research.
Progressive & Fair Prosecution
First Step Act
Bail Reform – Removing Cash Bail
Parole
Early Release – Good Time
Diversion Programs
Rehabilitation –
Prison to School Pipeline
Treatment Programs
Cognitive Behavior Programs
In selecting your topic, you can choose from state or federal programs, interventions, rules, policies, laws, etc.
This section should in theory be about 2 pages, 3 pages max.
Part II:
Determine whether the reform tactic works. Conduct research and see what scholars are saying on the topic.
What are the flaws or pit falls of the reform approach? Explain why or how the reform has failed, what are the outcomes that have resulted. What efforts have been made to correct the pit falls? In this section you are explaining to your reader what the reality is of your topic.
If your reform topic is new [First Step Act] don’t worry, you can still find a host of critics out there as you conduct your research who have opined on the short comings and the potential drawbacks and unintended consequences of the reform.
Be selective in the sources you use. Don’t fall victim to extreme left or right political positions but rather scholars who study the topic.
This section should average 3 pages max.
Part III Recommendation:
In section III you are to address and confront the issues of the topic and make solid practical recommendations on make the reform measure more effective within the sense that best serves the public – criminals who needs the most support while also considering public safety. You are to make clear and fiscal recommendations. As you will come to learn, money controls everything, therefore it is likely that any recommendation made must consider money and making the best decisions based on money.
This section should average 2 pages max.
TIPS:
Don’t over use or abuse Quotes – if the majority of your paper is a quote, you will fail.
Cite pursuant to APA format, if you don’t know how to cite references use the tools I have provided.
Recommendation section replaces the conclusion section of a traditional paper, therefore I shouldn’t see a subheading saying “Conclusion”
Do not making subheading bigger than 13 font.
A cover page is required
Name your file accordingly – 10 points off if I have to go and figure it out or if I have to rename the file.
All papers will be ran through global database to determine and detect plagiarism. More than 40% absent sufficient intext citations, will likely result in a failure. At the time you submit your paper in TurnItIn, you should be able to see the replication percentage. If you cited correctly you should be fine, however don’t abuse the use of direct quotes.
