Criminal Justice

Dr. Larson

Controversial Issues Reaction Paper

Assignment
A portion of your grade for Criminal Justice will be determined by reaction papers over
controversial issues in criminal justice. The Reaction Paper assignment is worth 50 possible points.
The assignment requires that you closely examine, discuss, analyze, and provide your independent
reflection on a specific reading assigned by the professor. For this assignment, you will be given
two essays:

Structure o f R eaction Pap er

The paper should be presented in three sections. The sections are outlined below:

1st Section--- Introduce the topic...

Provide a general overview and discussion of the material and specific issues highlighted in the
material..

2nd Section --- Provide details of the topic...

In the second section you will need to discuss the material. What are the significant points that
are made? Include any statistical data or other information needed to explain the primary
concepts covered. What examples or case studies are presented on the topic?

3rd Section --- Present your reaction to the material...

What did you specifically find interesting or unusual. Did you find yourself in agreement with
the concepts? what were your ideas or attitudes about this topic before you read the material?
What are your attitudes now? Explain.

Papers should be TYPED, double spaced, and no longer than 3 pages in length.
 Reaction P aper S coring Guide
12 points total

Section One: Introduct ion of the topic

3 Contains a well developed introduction that provides information on the topic
2 Contains an introduction that provides basic information on the topic
1 Contains a limited, confused and/or poorly developed introduction

Section Two : G eneral discu ssion of the issue

3 Effectively represents the issue and provides discussion of the points made by the
author(s).
2 Provides a general discussion of the issue
1 Discussion of the topic is limited.

Part Three: G eneral reaction to the topic

3 Provides a concise reaction to the topic which includes a discussion of the material
presented, and an analysis of the topic
2 Provides a reaction to the topic and some analysis of the material
1 Reaction is somewhat confused and difficult to follow.

Writing: Sp elling, g rammar, pun ctuation and sent ence & paragra ph
structure
3 Paper is well written, with correct grammar and spelling and flowing sentence and
paragraph structure.
2 Paper shows evidence of acceptable writing; language errors do not interfere with
comprehension of the essay.
1 Grammatical errors interfere with comprehension of the paper.

Total P oin ts / 12

Conversion Table for P aper P oin ts

12 = 47 to 50 points
11 = 45 to 47 points
10 = 42 to 45 points
9 = 40 to 42 points
8 = 37 to 40 points
7 = 35 to 37 points
6 = 32 to 35 points
5 = 30 to 32 points