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Reaction/Analysis Papers
LES 407 Fall 1997
For all for reaction analysis papers, remember to follow the directions
in the syllabus and (where they don't
conflict) the General Guidelines for Papers.
Paper #1 (Due September 15)
Resources
With Justice For None: Destroying an American Myth. Gerry
Spence, 1990
(Part I and at least one chapter in Part II)
Newspaper and other news sources
Write a paper (1000-1500 words) in which you:
1. Briefly describe in no more than 300 words what Spence
is trying to accomplish in Part I. For example, what would you say to
someone who asked you what this part of the book is about?
2. Evaluate Spence's proposed solutions to the legal system's
problems in at least one chapter in Part II. Using specific examples
from the text, clearly indicate how you agree and/or disagree, and why.
Throughout the paper:
- Take into account your own experiences and background and class
discussion in this and other courses.
- Incorporate into your discussion at least one news article
that supports or refutes one or more issues raised by Spence in Part
I. Attach the article to your paper.
Paper #2 (Due October 6)
Resources
A Crime of Self-Defense: Bernhard Goetz and the Law on Trial.
George P. Fletcher, 1988.
Library or World Wide Web
Write a paper (1000-1500 words) in which you incorporate the following
two parts:
1. Many people who hear about the Goetz case as presented in
Chapter 1 make a quick judgment about whether or not Goetz should be found
guilty, yet other people are not sure. How does the material presented
in Chapters 2-4 either complicate or simplify your own initial assessment
of whether or not Goetz should be found guilty? In your essay, explain
what you now think the test of self-defense should be, and why.
2. Update the story of Bernhard Goetz: Briefly describe what
happened (both criminally and civilly) since the events described in
the book and explain the degree to which your approve or disapprove
of these developments. Cite all sources appropriately.
Paper #3 (Due November 10)
Resources
Terrifying Love: Why Battered Women Kill and How Society
Responds. Lenore E. Walker, 1989.
Library, World Wide Web, or other resources
In a paper of 1000-1500 words, explain what you think the law should
do when battered women kill their abusers.
As part of your response, answer these questions:
1. Do you think self-defense is an appropriate defense? In addition
to Walker's discussion, take into account Fletcher's discussion of self-defense
in the Bernhard Goetz book.
2. Do you agree or disagree with Walker's proposals for change in the
legal system?
3. Based on outside resources you have discovered, is Walker's book
now outdated?
Paper #4 (Due December 3)
Resources
Total Justice. Lawrence Friedman, 1985
Newspaper, World Wide Web, or other sources
Write a paper (1000-1500 words) in which you:
1. Briefly describe Friedman's view of whether there
is "too much law."
2. Taking into account your own experiences and background and class
discussion in this and other courses, explain how Friedman is
right and/or wrong. What changes would you make in the law to resolve
the problems you identify?
3. Incorporate into your discussion at least one news article that
supports or refutes one or more issues raised by Friedman. Attach the
article to your paper.
Remember to follow the directions in the syllabus
and (where they don't conflict) the General
Guidelines for Papers.
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