INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE
PROFESSOR D. DYKES
CJ 101-02C
WRITING ASSIGNMENT – 20%
DUE DATE: NOVEMBER 24, 2021
“YOU BE THE JURY” -- “MURDER ON A SUNDAY
MORNING”
The writing assignment, a
two (2) page
reaction paper, must explore the legal issues and factual issues that a jury must decide in a criminal case. Your reaction paper will be based on the film “Murder on a Sunday Morning” about a 15 year old African American male, Brenton Butler, charged with murder in Jacksonville, Florida in May 2000.
Your paper should include your reaction to the film as well as any legal issues that you believe apply from class discussion and class readings in explaining what would your verdict be in this case and why?
For example,
Ø The role of a defense attorney
Ø The role of a prosecutor
Ø Has the prosecutor met its burden of proof
Ø Investigatory issues
Ø The role of the jury
Ø Witnesses
Your assignment should also include:
1.
An introductory paragraph
– this should state the assignment and introduce the reader to your topic and explain what you are going to discuss.
2.
A body
– The body should explain your argument, examples, other information including an analysis of the relationship between your decision and the legal and factual issues as a jurors viewed from a juror’s perspective.
The first sentence of your paragraph should summarize your paragraph by introducing its main idea. Make it clear and concise.
Develop and support the topic sentence with details and facts. Generally, this can be done in four or five sentences, but it can be longer as long as you stick to the main topic.
3.
Conclusion
– this should restate the main ideas without using the same words. Don’t repeat your topic sentence. Conclude as neatly as you started.
4.
Edit your paper. Check spelling, grammar and verb tenses. Double-check the relevance of any details. Read it aloud to yourself or to a friend. Make sure it is clear.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
Ø Remember to indent the first line of every paragraph
Ø 12 inch margins
Ø Double space
Ø Number your pages
Ø No wide margins or triple spacing between paragraphs
Ø Do not copy word for word from the film
Ø No pictures or animations
Ø No book report covers