Page 1: Summarize two or more cases covered in Just Mercy
• Use your own words to summarize the book
• Do not directly quote from the book, but instead summarize in your own words. Cite
when using ideas/concepts discussed
• Focus on those parts of the readings that connect to the major themes of this class—
ethics, leadership, activism, democracy, and social responsibility
Page 2: React to Just Mercy
• Do not express whether you thought the readings were boring, interesting, etc.
• You may use “I,” but do not use an informal or unprofessional tone
• Make sure that this section is coherent and well organized (do not fall into the ramblings
• associated with a “free-flow of consciousness”)
• Do express your reaction to the critical points of both readings
• Do express how critical points might connect to your own life and politics in your
community
Page 3: Analysis—connecting the film to significant concepts covered in class, readings, as
well as to the relevant themes of this class (e.g. ethics, activism, leadership, democracy and
social responsibility).
• Define significant concepts from earlier in the semester (chose at least 2 terms), such as
ethics terms (utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, Rawl’s theory of justice) and leadership terms
• Cite chapter 2, 5, 6, 7 or 8 of Sandel’s Justice book (one or more of those chapters)
• Answer critical thinking questions about the readings—what does this mean for our
society? Is this a problem or challenge? How can positive changes be made? Do not
answer these as a question, see below for an example.
o Bad Example: What are the strengths and weaknesses of our political process?
Well I think…
o Good Example: The strengths of our political process are that all eligible citizens
have the ability to voice their opinion and vote. The weaknesses of this political
process are…
Final Page (4 or more): Works Cited
• Use APA citation style. You do not need to use APA formatting for your paper, just use
the format for internal citations
• Cite Just Mercy as well as the Sandel Justice book, and any other class texts/videos you
use
Additional requirements:
• Do not include a cover page (it is not necessary since you will be submitting online)
• Name in right hand corner of page #1
• Title: Summary, Reaction, and Analysis Paper: Just Mercy—centered directly below
name (one-double space between your name and the
title of the paper and one double space between the title of the paper and the first
paragraph of the paper).
• Double-spaced
• 10-12 point font
• Use Times New Roman or Times font
• Standard margins (1”)
• Standard indent at the beginning of each paragraph
• Succinct introduction that introduces the class materials
• Succinct conclusion that ties everything together
