This paper is intended to encourage you to think and write about a philosophical issue in a sustained, philosophical way. What I want you to do, therefore, is to pick an issue relating to any topic touched on in this course and write a 5-7 page paper in which you try to resolve that issue. The assignment is broad in scope, since the philosophy of law is a broad topic and any issue within that topic is acceptable. For example, you could write on an issue in "analytical jurisprudence," like whether Lon Fuller's principles of the "inner morality of law" are sufficient to ensure a substantively moral legal system or whether John Austin's command theory of law can withstand one or more of Hart's criticisms of that approach to law. Alternatively, you could write on an issue in "normative jurisprudence," like whether or to what extent the law should be used to promote a society's moral code or whether or not capital punishment is a morally permissible form of punishment. You could also choose to defend or criticize various conceptions of justice, like for example the Rawlsian principles of justice. You also do not need to feel restricted to any of the issues actually covered in the readings, but may consider any issue within the philosophy of law.
Whatever issue you pick, keep in mind that a good philosophical paper will clearly explain your position and the argument(s) in support of that position. It will also address possible objections to your argument(s) and respond to those objections in order to be as persuasive as possible to your readers.
Your paper should be between 1500 and 1800 words, typed, double-spaced and with a title page that includes a title for your paper, your name, the date, and the course number and name. Begin your paper with an introductory paragraph that includes a very clear thesis sentence that states the position that you're defending. Also include a concluding paragraph at the end of the paper. Make sure your paper is well-organized; each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence, and the writing should be clear and free of mechanical errors (like spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes, punctuation mistakes).
Remember to provide adequate footnotes and bibliographic information when clled for. Feel free to use any of the standard styles for these you choose (e.g., APA), as long as you're consistent throughout the paper.
If you have any questions about this assignment, please let me know. In particular, if you have any doubts as to the appropriateness of your preferred topic, then you might want to run it past me for a quick reaction.
The papers will be due at the beginning of the final exam period on the day of the final exam, December 14th.