Assignment:
Injustices are inherent in the major institutions of our society: the workforce, educational system, criminal justice system, the legal system, religious institutions and the media. Social injustices have serious consequences on the life experiences of individuals. This capstone essay challenges students from all three concentrations to discuss a current social injustice in the United States.
Social Injustice vs. Social Problem
A social injustice occurs when certain members of a society do not have access to an equal distribution of wealth and resources and are denied opportunities. Unfair treatment and denial of one's civil rights may be based on one's age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or religion.
A social problem is behavior that has negative effects on an individual. Addiction, partner violence and child maltreatment negatively impact an individual and may affect their family and friends.
Answer one of the following questions that apply to a social injustice in our society:
Are all groups that become involved with the criminal justice system treated equally?
Consider one of the following issues and include them in your discussion.
differential rates of arrest and incarceration among minority groups
disparity in sentencing practices for minority groups
abuse of racial profiling as a scientific tool
Illegal immigration is currently a major concern in the United States. Discuss discriminatory practices that affect the undocumented in the United States and the positive or negative consequences of illegal immigration on the undocumented and on society at large.
Do Juries reflect the diversity of local communities and protect an individual's constitutional right to a fair and impartial trial? Please include the possible consequences of the current system of jury selection in your essay.
Does discrimination in the legal and paralegal professions give rise to specific social injustices? You may concentrate on either the legal or paralegal profession or compare and contrast both. Your discussion should address the following issues:
Differential rates in hiring practices, promotion, and pay scale among men and women. Is there a "glass ceiling" for women?
In what other ways does discrimination manifest itself in the legal environment?
Choose a social injustice that you feel passionate about and present a proposal to your course instructor for approval.
Include in your Capstone Essay discussion:
The Institution that perpetuates the injustice
The minority group most effected by the injustice
The negative outcomes or personal consequences suffered by those who are targeted
The cost/s of this injustice to society (financial, loss of human resources)
Solutions or alternatives to the problem/s that you have identified: new policies, legislation, social movements, public opinion
Students will be required to complete a 5-6 page essay on their selected topic.