criminal justice policy paper

A policy paper is a critical analysis of an important societal issue or problem that involves the research and development of a defensible plan – a policy proposal for solving the problem by formulating workable strategies for implement a new plan.

After reading Walker’s book, Sense and Nonsense you are to write a 5 page, double spaced abbreviated policy proposal on a criminal justice issue/problem of your choosing. Your paper should follow the following structure:

Title of your Policy Paper

Statement of the Problem

• What is the specific problem – define it

• Provide the reader with background information about the social problem

• What are the historical background issues related to this problem

• Why is it an important issue that needs to be addressed

• What evidence is there that suggest a change in policy is needed

• What are the major causes of the problem

Current Policy

• What are the current policies/programs

• Why haven’t those policies/programs solved, or alleviated the problem(s)

• What are the major flaws or limitations of the current policy

Policy Recommendations/Action Plan

(In this section of your paper formulate an effective policy proposal that is practical and feasible - tell us why your proposal will work)

• What are your specific policy recommendations

• How does your policy solve the problem, better than current policies

• What research/evidence can you offer that your proposal will work

• What are the most critical obstacles to implementing your proposal – i.e., financial, ethical, or political
• Why might policy makers oppose or embrace your proposal