solved MJ601 Survey of Criminal Justice Lesson 6: Special Topics Activity

MJ601 Survey of Criminal Justice
Lesson 6: Special Topics
Activity 6:  Policy Brief (100 points)
For this Activity, select one (1) of the topics below to prepare a brief. Your Activity responses should be both grammatically and mechanically correct, and formatted in the same fashion as the Activity itself. If there is a Part A, your response should identify a Part A, etc. In addition, you must appropriately cite all resources used in your response and document in a bibliography using APA style. (100 points) (A 4-page response is required.)
           Use the following guidelines in preparing the brief on one (1) of the topics.
1.Research:  You will need to do some research. You may refer to your text and other Required Readings and utilize other scholarly sources. Your goal is to provide complete, balanced information. Cite the research sources within the paper. Be sure to document all your sources using APA style.  Six (6) sources are required; more sources may be needed. 
2.Pros and Cons:  Present both sides of the issue. Your paper should be balanced and unbiased and should leave the final decision to the candidate. You may not offer an opinion or attempt to sway the candidate in any direction. Discuss two (2) positive and two (2) negative arguments for the positions advanced. 
3.Specialty Information:  Your topic option (A or B below) lists required specialty information which must be covered in detail in the brief.
Topic Option A:  Decriminalization or Legalization of Marijuana Policy Brief 
In this scenario, a presidential candidate has asked you to prepare a “policy brief.” She is preparing a speech in which she plans to take a position on the decriminalization or legalization of marijuana. Your policy brief will assist the candidate in making that decision. Your summary of the major pro and con arguments on this issue should be specific, clear, and concise. You should provide the rationale behind the arguments for each side of the issue. You are required to submit objective reasons for and against the issues. Specialty information for this brief includes highlighting the difference between decriminalization and legalization.
Topic Option B:  Juvenile Offenders Policy Brief 
           In this scenario, a candidate for governor in your state asks you to prepare a “policy brief.” She is preparing a speech in which she plans to address increasing public concern about juveniles who commit serious criminal offenses. Specifically, the candidate has asked you to prepare a brief on the pros and cons of trying all juvenile offenders as adults. Specialty information for this brief includes addressing current differences between the adult and juvenile court systems.