PRISON SENTENCING AND PRACTICES IN THE UNITED STATES VS CANADA

The point of the paper is to demonstrate that you understand all class material, have thoroughly researched the topic, and have developed an informed opinion about the topic.

This paper will compare the different punishments and prison practices between both the United States and Canada.

This paper will also identify the decision-making process in sentencing to decide if and how the process(es) influences the crime rate in the country.

After reviewing the differences between the United States and Canada prisons and sentencings, there will be a summary of each nation’s techniques and practices that the other does not possess but would benefit from adopting and why

Paper must be 7 pages in length (double-spaced, 12-pt Times New Roman font), and include an APA Title Page (first page), an APA Abstract (second page), a reference (bibliography) page(s) (last page).

Expectations

Expectations for an exemplary Research Paper include the following:

CLEAR ARGUMENT (20 pts)

How well did you fulfill the requirements of the paper? Did you clearly explain your topic? Is it clear that you have thoroughly researched the topic? Did you use the topic to make an informed opinion? Did you clearly explain your opinion? Did you offer evidence to support your claims? Do your claims take into account all that we have been learning about criminology? Do you contradict class material? If so, can you cite credible evidence to do so? Have you met the 7-8 pages of text requirement?

SUPPORTING EVIDENCE (15 pts)

Do you clearly explain the evidence you are using? Does your evidence support your main argument? Do you cite an academic source whenever you make claims about crime or punishment (or any fact)? Do you use cites appropriately? Do you show how your findings relate to class material throughout your paper? Is it clear that you have done all of the readings, thought critically about each, come to lecture, and used class material to inform your analysis?

SOURCES (20 pts)

You must use a minimum of three resources and at least two of these should be peer-reviewed journal articles or academic books. If you are not sure if your articles or books are academic, please ask you professor and do not wait until the due date to seek this assistance.

You may cite Internet websites that are from trusted organizations (i.e., United Nations, UNICEF, FBI, Red Cross), but they will NOT count as one of your academic sources. Do not attempt to cite Wikipedia as a source.

BODY/ORGANIZATION (10 pts)

Be sure that your paper is organized in a way that allows the reader to easily follow your train of thought. Each paragraph should be well-written and concise, with a clear transition into the next paragraph.

GRAMMAR (10 pts)

You should have no errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, capitalization, word choice, etc. Have someone proofread your paper (and go to the Writing Center on campus).

IN-TEXT CITATIONS (APA) (10 pts)

APA citations, citing all sources used (outside sources, lecture, class readings, etc.).

TITLE and APA BIBLIOGRAPHY PAGES ( 15 pts. = 7.5 pts each)

Title Page: Centered on page, no page number: Title that fits paper, your name, class name and number, professor name, date.

References Page: APA citations in alphabetical order, citing the textbook from the class, outside academic sources, as well as any other source cited.

Use 12-point Times New Roman font (not bold).

Double-space all papers.

PROOFREAD. There should be no spelling or grammatical errors.

Do not use contractions. Spell all words out.

Use proper APA citations: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

You may write your papers in first person. However, avoid using phrases such as “I feel/believe/think.” Your papers will be much stronger if you simply make claims, rather than identifying them as opinions.

Avoid passive voice. Always have a subject in your sentences.

Avoid incomplete and run-on sentences.

Never use the word “okay” in a formal paper. Be specific—use the thesaurus.

Begin your papers with a strong introductory paragraph that introduces your topic.

End your papers with a clear, concise conclusion summarizing your argument.

Do not be repetitive.

Avoid using many direct quotes. Paraphrase in your own words – and use citations!!

Understand that there is a craft to writing – attempt to present the material in a concise, professional manner that is polished and well-organized

You MUST USE the attached ABSTRACT.