Determine a topic of interest focused on a specific legal issue in higher education. You will use this topic to complete a research project on a legal aspect impacting higher education. After you have selected an issue, you will create a paper that includes the following elements related to the topic: An explanation of the topic as it relates to the topic of higher education law A thorough discussion of three OR MORE cases which directly link your chosen topic to a higher education setting Provide a set of “best practices” as established through higher education, student affairs, or legal affairs literature (published, peer-reviewed, and scholarly) that you believe universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions can use to protect both students and institutions from harm. The paper should be between 10 to 12 pages in length. I strongly recommend beginning to work on this paper no later than midterms to allow you to have a lower stress experience while still effectively creating something of use.   Possible Format Guide for your Legal Issue Paper   The final product will be a 10-12 page paper (including title page and references). The paper should have a(n):   Title Page with your title, name, date, and class section. A narrative that introduces the reader to the issue, explains why this legal issue is significant, and or explains why this topic is worthy of study. Mini-literature Review. In your own words, connect the research you are doing to other studies in higher education that relates to your topic outside of the legal elements. For instance, you may be looking at cases that impact student clubs – how would that connect to student speech, student safety, OR another area? In this section talk about the evidence you used. In other words, explain which primary and secondary sources you relied on to write this paper. This would be where you would want to place the three OR MORE court cases you feel are relevant. This often is the lengthiest area of this type of paper, though not always. In this section provide the context for your study – why do you think, given the cases you referenced, this legal issue should be viewed as more relevant and/or vital? Here you make any concluding points about the story and connect the story back to the ideas in the Introduction and Mini-literature review.   Note: For citing sources, use APA or Chicago Style and stick with one style.   Some potential topics to consider (note, this is not exhaustive, but rather just to get the thoughts going – if you have an area you want to pursue that is not here, by all means, do so!): Third Party Assaults (i.e. Virginia Tech), Alcohol Abuse, Hazing, Study Abroad, Suicide, Behavior of Fans and Athletes at Athletic Events, Religious Discrimination,    Affirmative Action, University and Student Relationships, etc. Previous Next