Sociology of Criminal Law (CR450)

GUIDE FOR WRITING OPINIONS

1. At the top of the page, the following information should be included:
   
   Your Name
   Lawyer's Names (indicating which is pro and which con)
   Name of the "Issue" being debated
   Number of the Issue being debated



2. Judges' opinions should be based on (1) oral arguments made in class; (2) written briefs; and (3) any additional material or knowledge that a judge wants to bring to bear in his or her opinion.



3. The judge's opinion should demonstrate a close listening to the oral arguments on both sides (hence, it might be advisable to take notes) and the written briefs on both sides.



4. Based on this information, each judge will articulate their position on the "issue" in question. This will include not only which side of the issue he or she falls on, but a justification for why he or she takes that position.



5. In addition, (unlike in a real supreme court) each judge will evaluate the presentations and briefs in the following manner:
   
   On a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being the strongest) assign a numerical score to both the brief and the oral arguments
   
   Brief
   
   Oral Argument



6. Opinions will be typed, and should range from 2-5 pages. Each student (judge) must turn in opinions on eight (8) of the cases heard.