Objective: Develop and write an original research paper that addresses some of the themes raised in the
course. This is an opportunity to explore your own issues within the framework of youth and crime. The
paper must be a critical analysis. The final research paper is a topic as it relates to youth in conflict with
the law. Students are to make a connection to a crime, player, stage of the criminal justice system, crime
regulation, and/or crime policy.
Elements of essay should include the following:
Thesis
– Introduction connections core ideas and themes of the course.
– Formulated – Clear and focused statement. An argument that is crafted linking ideas.
Identifies core observations/guiding themes to be examined and supported in the body of
the paper.
Data and analysis
– Thesis is supported and substantiated (throughout the body of the paper).
– Assessment that explores theoretical concepts.
– Integration of ideas. Thorough and critical interrogation of academic materials in
relation to thesis statement.
– Quality of the discussion, elaboration of content that is significantly and skillfully
connected to relevant materials.
– Statements are back up/supported by relevant materials and are skillfully linked to
youth and crime.
– Concise. Logically coherent leading to an effective conclusion.
Writing and Organization
– Overall: organized essay structure: introduction; body and conclusion.
– Well -structured: Writing demonstrates student’s ability to analyze the research
problem.
– Format: 12-15 pages (not including title page and bibliography), typed, Times,12 pt.,
double spaced, 1” margins.
– Sources: minimum 10 academic sources (newspaper, blogs, reports, text and so-on
are addition to the 10 sources)
– Writing: grammar, spelling, clarity, proper referencing/in-text citations.
Proposal submitted. Demonstrated development from the proposal stage.
– Subheadings: student’s discretion
1. The final research paper is a critical analysis of the topic as it relates to youth in conflict
with the law; either outlining a crime, player, or stage of the criminal justice system,
crime regulation, and/or policy.
2. Evaluation includes the integration of sources, themes, and concepts from the course.
Suggested Areas of Topic:
Possible paper ideas, not exhaustive:
– Female “delinquency” (e.g., girls and gangs, sex work)
– Youth gangs
– Racial profiling among youth
– Alternative Measures (e.g., restorative justice)
– Incarceration of youth
– Risk assessment measure
– How is mental health and trauma dealt with YCJA
– Methodologies measuring youth crime
– Theory – (e.g., social disorganization, strain, control, labeling theory MUST INCORPORATE THESE.
must use 10 academic sources
