Assignment Instructions/ Description
The logic componentBefore beginning your essay, formalize your argument into a valid premise-by-premise argument. This part of the assignment is graded as well so don't forget to include this with your essay.The take I am doing for this paper is natural law legal theoryFind a topic of legal interest in the news (it can relate to something we've discussed in class, but you should not pick a case that we directly discussed). The topic should involve a question about the legality of some controversial practice/act/policy etc. Your job is to make a legal argument that the practice/act/policy should be either legal or illegal. You should make this argument by appealing to the theory of law/legal principle that you find most appealing.
Your argument should contain these 3 things:1. At least one general legal principle (GLP)2. At least one factual claim. (FC)3. A conclusion. (C)
Formatting and Stylistic Requirements1. The paper should be 6-7 pages, double spaced.2. Use "Times New Roman" 12pt font3. Number your pages.4. Include an interesting title5. For your citation, use MLA or Chicago style6. You should not use the first person unless you are describing what you will do/what you have done in your paper.7. You should never use the terms "I believe" "I think" etc. Morality is not about what you believe, think, or feel; It's about what IS in fact the case. Make sure this is reflected in the words you choose.8. Avoid any filler sentences; every sentence you write should be necessary to the paper itself. Do not include sentences that begin with "since the dawn of time..." or anything like that in your paper.
The essay component.Your essay itself should have the following parts1. An introduction with a clear thesis statement (your thesis statement should be the last sentence of your introductory paragraph)2. In your intro, provide background information about the topic at hand; what are the varying positions legal philosophers/scholars might take regarding your topic? What, if anything, have the authors whom we've read in class have to say about this topic?3. A defense of your legal principle(s)4. A defense of your factual claim(s)5. ONE (and only one) objection to your argument (make sure that this objection is THE STRONGEST one you can think of) the objection should be directed to ONE of your premises6. A response to that objection
6 common mistakes to avoid1. Unnecessary sentences2. lack of engagement with the course material3. lack of proper citation4. providing more than one objection when only one is asked for5. asking rhetorical questions instead of making statements6. citing illegitimate sources (e.g., blog posts)In addition to being graded on the above, you'll also be graded on the strength of your argument, your understanding of the key argument, the clarity of your writing, the organization of the paper etc. etc.
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