Criminal Justice Question

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

WRITE MY PAPER