In this assignment, you will write a persuasive letter to an elected official or policymaker advocating for a specific criminal justice policy change you believe is necessary, urgent, and just.
This is not a generic opinion letter. You are writing as an informed constituent who understands how identity, power, and inequality shape crime and justice outcomes.
Step 1: Choose a Policymaker
Select one real policymaker whose role is relevant to your issue, such as:
- A city council member
- County prosecutor
- State legislator
- Governor
- Member of Congress
You must explain why this person has authority over the policy you are addressing.
Step 2: Identify a Policy Issue
Choose one specific policy or practice, such as (but not limited to):
- Cash bail reform
- Juvenile sentencing laws
- Police use-of-force standards
- Immigration enforcement & detention practices
- Trauma-informed correctional programming
- Probation and parole conditions
- Victim services access for marginalized groups
Your issue must involve unequal impact across identity groups.
Step 3: Write the Letter
Your letter should be 1.52 pages, professional in tone, and include the following elements:
- Opening Context
- Introduce yourself as a constituent and student
- State the issue clearly and why it matters now
- Problem Explanation
- Describe the policy and how it currently operates
- Explain who is most affected and why
- Explicitly address race, class, gender, age, or other relevant identity factors
- Evidence-Based Argument
- Reference course concepts, research, or documented disparities
- Include statistics, but not too many; focus on meaning and consequences
- Proposed Change
- Clearly describe what you want changed
- Explain how this change would reduce harm or increase fairness
- Anticipating Pushback
- Address at least one likely counterargument
- Explain why reform is still necessary
- Closing Appeal
- Make a clear, respectful call to action
Formatting
- Letters should follow standard professional letter formatting
- You are not required to send the letter, but you may if you choose
- Tone should be persuasive, not hostile
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