Written Research Assignment – Position Paper
POSITION PAPER
Each student will be required to submit a position paper as to his/her opinion reference an assigned
courtroom case which dealt with forensic science evidence admissibility. Regardless of the position you
take, the paper must include your reasoning for choosing that position. In essence, you will “pick a side” and
argue for that side. You are responsible for “convincing” the instructor as to why your position is correct and
fair. Specifically, you will review ALL the facts of the case and, based on your research, you will argue FOR or
AGAINST the admissibility of the forensic science evidence and/or technique used to describe/analyze the
evidence.
Students will utilize at least three (3) scholarly references to support the student’s position and will properly cite
the source. The paper must be prepared in a manner acceptable for university level work. The paper should
be between seven (7) to ten (10) pages, excluding the references page and cover page and will be completed
in proper APA format.
The completed position paper will:
Use 12-point font, double-spaced format, and one-inch margins throughout the paper.
Include a header (i.e., the shortened title of paper and page number).
Follow APA regulations (refer to your APA manual) which require a reference page, including all
references ascribed to in paper; properly cite the sources both in the body of the paper and on the
“References” page.
Include three (3) scholarly references (i.e., peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles or law citations)
AS WELL AS one (1) textbook, of which the course text is allowed. If you are uncertain as to what a
“scholarly journal source” represents, please make certain to contact the Library so they may assist
you.
Additionally, the University Core Values, as appropriate, should be designed into and discussed as they
relate to the topic of the paper.
No more than 25% of the written assignment in this course may be attributed to referenced sources
Please choose one (1) case from the following three forensic evidence admissibility cases below:
Case Law ~ Forensic Evidence Admissibility
State v. O’Key ~ 321 Or. 285, 899 P.2d 663
Bloodsworth v. State ~ 76 Md.App. 23, 543 A.2d 382
Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ~ 509 U.S. 579, 113 S.Ct. 2786
This written assignment – Position Paper will represent 30% of the final course grade
The paper will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Exceptional corresponds to an A (95-100%). Performance is outstanding; significantly above the
usual expectations.
Proficient corresponds to a grade of B to A- (83-94%). Skills and standards are at the level of
expectation.
Basic corresponds to a C to B- (75-82%). Skills and standards are acceptable but improvements are
needed to meet expectations well.
Novice corresponds to an F (< 74%). Performance is weak; the skills or standards are not sufficiently
demonstrated at this time.
0 This criterion is missing or not in evidence.
CASE NAME & CITATION: _________________________________________________
Criteria
Ratings
0 Novice Basic Proficient Exceptional
Thoroughness: (12) 0 1 2 2.5 3
The paper clearly develops the issue
Show depth and understanding of the subject, with
appropriate analysis
Clearly identifies focus and logically analyzes and
discusses the topic
Student’s position is clear and reasonable
Scholarly quality: (15) 0 1 2 2.5 3
Meets acceptable college level standards with respect
to form and substance, following 6th Edition APA rules
Abstract is a good summarization of what is to follow
Ideas presented in a clear, concise manner
Typed in double-spaced format with correct citations
and references
Void of numerous typographical, spelling, or
grammatical errors?
University Core Values: (3) 0 .25 .50 .75 1
Core values are incorporated into the focus, content,
and/or opinion of the paper
They are used appropriately
Core values are defined correctly and accurately
Comments