Sociology of Law

 

Sociology of Law  

 

 

 

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 GUIDELINES FOR TERM PAPER

 

 

Please follow the format carefully — if you think your topic does not fit the format, please speak with the instructor. The paper should be about 8-10 double–spaced page. (However, quality is more important than length.)

 

You may choose virtually any topic for your term paper/project provided you come up with a question to address.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRADING

Generally speaking, your paper will be graded on your ability:

 

• to present a clear research question;

 

• to develop a logically connected set of main points that utilize data to discuss and answer the question (and that ideally employs sociological theory); and

 

• to conclude your paper with a crisp summary that makes your answer (i.e. argument) evident and convincing

 

FORMAT

 

1. Introduction: Identify and describe your topic. Indicate why it is an important topic and what issue(s) you will address in your paper. If you are going to employ a formal hypothesis, include it here. Important: Clearly present your question.

 

1. Background: Clearly reference and describe the law or legal issue that your question concerns. Make sure to outline its social context. Describe any trends related to that law that may be apparent over time, locally, nationally, or internationally. Basically this should be a literature review placing your topic within the context of current legal/political thinking and/or sociological research and theory. It does not need to be exhaustive – you are not writing a dissertation. You do not answer your question here, nor present your findings, but rather provide the type of information and issues that give rise to your question and places it in a socio-historical context.

 

III. Findings: You may draw on one or more of the following sources for your findings or data: statistical data, published first-hand accounts or case studies, historical material, research reports, biographical material, media reports (used with a critical eye); and information from your own field research or direct, personal experiences. Pay particular attention to issues concerning the perceived need for the particular law or code that your question concerns. Discuss whether any understanding or theory regarding the origin and persistence of the “problem” or situation that the law addresses informs those who sponsored the law and/or those who oppose it. If so, describe. Consider the extent to which (if at all) those involved in any possible debate over the law exert political power themselves or are represented by others (such as various political or religious groups) in the political and social arena. Identify any possible political or social struggles concerning legal control, social acceptance, causation, and social responsibility. These factors should be considered whether you are looking at a law that is currently the focus of public debate or whether such debate occurred in the past (and this could theoretically go back centuries).In developing your answer/explanation identify any possible sociological theory (or combination of theories) that you think backs up your argument. Make a case for your choice(s). Discuss whether your theory (or theories) agrees with that of the individuals or organizations that are most identified with the particular law or problem the law addresses. Regardless of whether your research is primarily field research or library research, it is expected that you will consult at least several published sources (as in books, journal articles, Internet sites, or observations). Fully reference any data, information, or ideas that you obtain from outside sources (including the Internet) within the text of your paper and in the references section at the end. You must, however, maintain the confidentiality of individuals you interview, unless they talk with you in an official capacity and agree that you can use their name. If you conduct field research you much include a short methodology section in your paper.

 

1. Sources and References: Every source or reference must be fully documented. This includes books, journal and media articles, interviews, surveys and observations. You do not need to identify the name of an individual – and you should not – unless the individual provides you information or data in an official capacity and s/he gives you permission to do so. You may use any standard style as long as you are consistent.

 

Note: Obviously some of the guidelines above apply better to some types of topics than others. Do not try to “force-fit” when it seems inappropriate. If you have any questions please consult the instructor or teaching assistant.

Term Paper/Project is due week 6