OBJECTIVE: This paper requires you to objectively describe the two (or more) sides of an argument or current debate. Then you must write a persuasive analysis and conclusion supporting the side of that argument with which you personally agree. Consider that what you are writing may be similar to a lawyer who is advocating for a client. Or, a judge who must decide a case and write an opinion based on the two sides of the law she has read. Or, a business person urging the adoption of a new company policy.
THE INTERSECTION OF LAW AND BUSINESS: Remember that we are studying the intersection of law and business. If your topic is primarily a business or economic one, that is OK but you will need to do more research to find out what law is relevant. Of course, law also means the vast subject of regulations. If there is not sufficient information, maybe you can propose why or why not regulation will be needed. Also, a lot of current controversies have political dimensions. If your topic is political, that too is OK but you will need to do a deeper dive to find what law or regulation is relevant or appropriate. If at anytime you run into a problem with your topic, please email me or set up an appointment.
Write a 10-page (plus citations) research paper, typed, double-spaced on the topic that you selected and had approved in Module 3.
Use the following format, with captions, in the order below. Keep in mind that many written deliverables in law and business must fit precise formatting, order, and style guidelines. For example, legal briefs, published cases, employee handbooks, and corporate reports. For full points you must follow the guidelines below. (Tips and guidelines are in italics).
Introduction (1 sentence to 1 paragraph in length):
Write an attention getting introductory sentence or paragraph that is a high-level reference to the topic. This first sentence (or few) should be designed to get a reader’s attention as if they are unfamiliar with the subject. It should make the reader want to continue to read.
Background (½ page – 1 page in length):
Give the factual background. If it is primarily business, describe why it is important in the industry or the economy. If it is primarily legal, describe where the first cases originated and how they worked their way up through the court system. For example, regarding the e-cig industry, you would describe history, size, the controversy, etc. If law, for example the US Supreme Court pending decision on LGBT discrimination, you would describe the history of rights, other Constitutional examples, the controversy, etc. This section should be just the facts, so a reader has a starting point. This section should not be argumentative or take a position.
Position of _____; or, Arguments by _____ (Whatever caption identifies this as side 1 of the debate, 2- 3 pages in length)
In a very organized way, describe each argument, position, or description of side 1 of the debate about this topic. This should be an objective overview. Cite cases if applicable; cite other business resources or references if applicable; identify any prominent people or institutions involved. This is where the bulk of your research should show up. This section should have the bulk of your citations. This section should articulate what others are saying – not what YOU are concluding about the merits of their positions. Conclude this section with a very short summary of what the most persuasive argument seems to be.
To keep this section organized, you may use bullets, underlining, captions, numbering etc.
Position of _____; or, Arguments by _____ (Whatever caption identifies this as side 2 of the debate, 2- 3 pages in length)
This is the same as the above, just articulating the other side. In a very organized way, describe each argument, position, or description of this side 2 of the debate about this topic. Cite cases if applicable; cite other business resources or references if applicable; identify any prominent people or institutions involved. This is where the bulk of your research should show up. This section should have the bulk of your citations. This section should articulate what others are saying – not what YOU are concluding about the merits of their positions. Conclude this section with a very short summary of what the most persuasive argument seems to be. To keep this section organized, you may use bullets, underlining, captions, numbering etc.
Analysis and Conclusion (2 – 3 pages in length)
What is your position about the merits of the arguments? Your analysis and conclusions. The two sections above, about each respective side, should be an objective statement of what is argued. This section takes a side. This section should be subjective. Try to persuade the reader of your position.
The most persuasive arguments in life are those based on experiences or examples that people can relate to on a personal basis. Make this personal. By that I mean, what can you cite from your experience that makes this real and gives the reader an understanding that you are an authentic advocate for this position? Use personal experience and examples, if appropriate. If not personal experience, then try to cite things with others that you have observed. Describe why the position you advocate will be better for people, business, industry, legal rights, the country, etc.
You must do your best job as an “advocate” for this position. Show the reader that you made a reasoned conclusion after researching each side. That is, the reader should see arguments surfaced from the first two sections. Not just, for example, “…I think the position of side X is stupid…”. Instead, for example, “I think the argument for this proposition fails because it does not consider…”
Observe best basic writing skills: spelling, punctuation, grammar, formatting. Remember a good paper requires the ‘not fun’ necessity of editing and rewriting. A good writer will end up with 20 pages or so in a first draft. A quality paper is the result of thoughtful cutting and editing to 10 pages by deleting repetitive information, excess verbiage, and incidental points.
Cite external resources and reference materials used using a standard citation format that you are comfortable with, including for sources from the internet. Your list of sources is in addition to the 10 page requirement. WIKIPEDIA is not an acceptable citation. Resource materials can include court cases; media coverage citing court cases; media articles; scholarly articles; materials from trade and industry associations, interviews, etc.
General
a) You may use charts and graphics, and this may help you achieve the required page number. Your paper can be longer than 10 pages but make a real effort to cut and edit it to 10.
b) References above to “section” page length are just guidelines, not mandatory. (Total pages are mandatory)
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