Research paper on any U.S. Government (federal/state/local) legislation/policy (with the exception of Solitary Confinement, Capital Punishment, Abortion, and Marijuana Legalization, Immigration and Gun Control). The body of the paper must include, at a minimum, background information on the policy, including 1-2 court cases, directly or indirectly related to the policy; alternative policies, and possible advantages/disadvantages of those policies.  Students are encouraged, but not required to email the instructor for approval of the topic.

The paper must be between 8-11 FULL pages long (the cover page and reference page does not count towards the eight page minimum); Typed;  12 point; Times New Roman; Double Spaced; APA style (see Research Paper resources tab or JJAY library for assistance with APA style). You may use headers, but there should not be any space between the header and the paragraphs. A minimum of five academic sources that have been published within the past 10 years (except for court cases, which may be outside of the 10 year window) must be used for the assignment. Peer reviewed journals via the JJAY library website are generally the best and simplest way to find information for a research paper. The course textbook may not be used as a source.  An abstract is not required and will not count towards the eight page minimum.  Students should not use video clips or graphics.