Skip to Main Content

Criminal Prosecution Seminar

This guide is designed to help students in the Topics in Criminal Law & Procedure seminar with their research and writing.

General Structure

Introduction

Traditionally, a seminar/term paper will consist of four major sections: (1) Introduction; (2) Background; (3) Analysis; and (4) Conclusion. This section contains a brief outline to follow, but each subsection is examined in detail in the subsequent pages.

Traditional Seminar/Term Paper Structure

Traditional Structure of a Seminar Paper

1. Introduction - Set out the "Crux" of the Paper

  • Introduce and note why the topic is important
  • Briefly summarize necessary background information
  • State your thesis
  • Convey your organization of the paper -- (i.e., "roadmap"). Tell the audience what your paper will show and in what order. If you can concisely summarize your research and outline the arguments of your paper, then odds your audience will be able to follow your analysis.