Introduction to
Criminal Justice
The assignment for each paper is to choose a topic that is
somewhat controversial and has legal and moral elements. The assignment requires the student to
establish a reasonable legal position and a meaningful moral position and to
convince the reader of the acceptability of the writer’s position. One of the more difficult concerns for
students is selection of a topic. The
following is a list of topics that have been used successfully in this
course. You still should discuss your
choice of topic with the instructor.
For or Against the Legalization or the Decriminalization of any of
the following:
Marijuana
Cocaine
Heroin
Other drugs
All Drugs
Dueling – Life threatening contests between consenting adults
Euthanasia
Active euthanasia
Passive euthanasia
Living Wills
Do Not Resuscitate
Endurance contests
Tough-man competitions
Boxing
Triathlons
Gambling
Casinos
Private games
State lottery
For or Against the Prohibition of the following:
Violence in sports
Cruelty to animals
Consumption of alcohol
Consumption or possession of drugs
Gay Rights
Marriage – Spousal
privileges
Military service
Adoption
Occupational
objections, i.e. teacher, preacher
For or Against Paternalism issues:
Seat belt laws
Motorcycle helmet laws
Social Security
Consent of victim
Voluntary Enslavement
Harm to self
Prostitution
Streetwalkers
Call girls
Escort Services
Brothels
Premarital sex
Homosexual behavior
Age of consent
Statutory Rape
Speed Limits
Restriction of interest rates