PAPER ASSIGNMENTS

Undergraduates will choose one of the following options:

1. Mock Trial paper - due one week after the mock trial. The mock trial is on

    Wed. 9 April 2008: Trial Day 1(12:30-1:30 pm)
    Thurs. 10 April 2008: Trial Day 2 (12:30-1:30 pm)
 
   Analyze the case as we would do in class; a brief summary of the facts is sufficient. Also, include how you voted and why you voted that way. Review the  What arguments were most convincing? Why?
    The paper for the trial is due by Thurs. April 17, 2008l at the start of class.

    Length for all papers: 3-5 pages double spaced

3. If you attended a State or Superior Court trial instead of going to a Mock Trial, use the same basic outline as above, but instead of
stating how you voted, explain whether you agreed or disagreed with the judge or jury's decision and why.
    To see a case at the courthouse (located on Washington across from the civic center) you can call 613-3190 to get the court schedule
for the following day and say that you just want to observe a case. On Mondays trials start about 9 am (after jury selection). In the afternoon they start about 1:30. When you enter the courthouse, you can
ask the deputy at door for directions.
        Paper is due by Friday May 2, 2008.

1. Regulation paper
    Analyze a current or historical regulation. The paper should contain a short description of the regulation, but should focus on analysis. Discuss what groups the regulation is designed to help and what groups may be hurt. What are possible unintended consequences of the regulation? To what extent did the regulation (or do you expect the regulation) assist who it was intended to assist. Evaluate the costs and benefits of the regulation, and assert whether you think the benefits outweigh the costs. Use evidence to support your analysis.
    Excluded topics: you will not be permitted to write about the following regulations: minimum wage laws, the Food and Drug administration (FDA), the American Disabilities Act (ADA), automobile safety devices and examples I used in class.
    Length: 3-5 pages double spaced

2. Research paper
    Write a research paper that examines in detail some issue that we covered in class or that is an extension of class material. To the extent possible, try to integrate this with your vocational experience (if an MBA or MAcc student) or some aspect of public policy (MPA students).
    There is not a designated length requirement, but the paper should be a minimum of 10 pages plus a list of references.
 

    All papers must be handed in at the beginning of class. Papers not handed in at the beginning of class will be assessed late penalties. For each 24-hour period after the paper is due, there will be a penalty of 10% reduced from the grade.
    You should: (1) explain clearly the legal decision or issue, (2) describe the relevant economic issues, and (3) critique the decision or development using economic analysis.
    Spelling, grammar and structure affect lend credibility and strength to your argument, and therefore, will be evaluated in your grade.
 

Lynne Kiesling's (Northwestern) writing suggestions.

Argument/Evaluation:
    Use active voice not passive voice. Active voice makes the argument more concise and comprehensible.
    Get the facts right
    Both sides - costs and benefits
    Believe vs. feel or use "argue" "contend" "maintain"
    Can often eliminate "seems to" and "appears to"

More accurate:
    Very general about some things. Watch use of buzzwords (efficiency)
    affect-effect
    their-there
    to-two-too
    principal-principle

More Concise:
    Eliminate
        - “in order” - the industry must change in order to be more competitive. Can say the industry must change to be more competitive.
        - "in an effort to regulate" -> "to regulate"
        - “in fact”
        - "needless to say" "It is needless to say that the regulation imposes costs and benefits."
        - "in other words"
        - "that is"
        - "itself" "themselves" etc. "The government regulated the industry itself"
        - "so as to" -> "to"
        - "actually" - can often be omitted.
 
Defective Product Instructions
    The jury instructions state the following about defective products:
    "A product is in a defective condition unreasonably dangerous to the user when it has a propensity for causing physical harm beyond that which would be contemplated by the ordinary user or consumer. A product is not defective or unreasonably dangerous merely because it is possible to be injured while using it. One engaged in the business of selling or distributing products that sells or distributes a defective product is subject to liability for harm to persons or property caused by the defect. Plaintiff also claims that defendant breached its duty to purchasers of the Polecat vehicle by failing to warn buyers of the fire danger inherent in the car."