The Capstone Research Paper is the culmination of your work in this course, where you will demonstrate your ability to critically analyze, synthesize, and present findings on a chosen criminal justice reform topic influenced by social movements or actions. Assignments throughout the semester have been designed to guide you in completing this paper step by step.

Instructions

Your paper should include the following sections:

1. Introduction and Background (minimum 350 words):
   
   • Introduce your research topic and provide relevant context.
   • Discuss the importance of the topic and its connection to criminal justice reforms.
2. Subtopic/Theme 1 (minimum 600 words):
   
   • Expand on your synthesis of this subtopic, integrating insights from your sources.
   • Remember to provide clear transitions to the next section.
3. Subtopic/Theme 2 (minimum 600 words):
   
   • Expand on your synthesis of this subtopic, integrating insights from your sources.
   • Remember to provide clear transitions to the next section.
4. Subtopic/Theme 3 (minimum 600 words):
   
   • Expand on your synthesis of this subtopic, integrating insights from your sources.
   • Remember to provide clear transitions to the next section.
5. Conclusion (minimum 350 words):
   
   • Summarize the key findings of your paper.
   • Identify any gaps in the research or areas for future exploration.

Formatting Requirements

• The paper should be 2,500–3,000 words minimum(excluding title page and references).
• You are allowed to exceed the word count without penalty.
• Use APA style for all in-text citations and the reference list.
• Include a title page with your name, course title, and submission date.

Required Sources

• A minimum of 10 sources is required, including:
  • At least 5 peer-reviewed journal articles.
  • Additional reliable sources related to your research topic.
• Cite all sources accurately in the text and in the reference list, formatted in APA style.

Grading

• This assignment will be graded using the Rubric for Capstone Research Paper. 
• Late submissions will incur a 5% grade deduction for every calendar day past the deadline.
• Turnitin: Turnitin checks submissions for plagiarism and AI-generated content. To avoid academic misconduct, submit your work early to allow time for revisions if needed.