ENGL1302 – 8-Week Online Anytime Writing Project #3 – The Ar ✓ Solved

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This is where all of your research and ideas come together - The Final Argumentative Research Essay. Here you are expected to craft a strong argument based upon your thematic exploration of the nonfiction book Picking Cotton. It is expected that there will be similarity between parts of your Response Essay and parts of your Argumentative Essay. I asked you to write the Response Essay to start getting ideas about what to focus on for this final essay!

Essay Requirements:

  • MLA Formatting

  • Direct and Arguable Thesis at the end of the Introduction

  • 1000 words MINIMUM (not including the Work Cited page)

  • 6 paragraphs MINIMUM

    • Introduction

    • 3 body paragraphs (minimum)

    • 1 Refutation/Concession paragraph (minimum)

    • Conclusion

  • Work Cited page with at least 4 entries

    • One entry MUST be Picking Cotton

    • One entry MUST be a scholarly essay from a Library Database

  • 4 quotations (or instances of paraphrase) MINIMUM

    • At least 1 per body paragraph

    • At least 1 in the Refutation

    • At least 1 from Picking Cotton

  • Grammar and Spelling

Paper For Above Instructions

The role of wrongful conviction in the American judicial system is a critical issue that has garnered considerable attention, especially depicted through personal narratives such as in the book Picking Cotton by Jennifer Thompson and Ronald Cotton. This essay will argue that wrongful convictions, fueled by mistaken identifications and systemic biases, not only harm those wrongfully accused but also undermine public trust in the justice system. Recognizing the emotional and societal impacts of wrongful convictions is vital for reforming judicial processes to prevent such injustices from recurring.

The foundation of wrongful convictions is often laid by the errors in eyewitness testimonies, as highlighted in Picking Cotton. Thompson's confidence in her identification of Cotton as her attacker exemplifies how misinformation can lead to tragic consequences (Thompson & Cotton, 2009). According to research, eyewitness testimonies are notoriously unreliable; studies have shown that factors such as stress, the presence of a weapon, and the passage of time can severely distort a witness's memory (Loftus, 2018). The case presented in Picking Cotton underscores the need for systemic changes in how eyewitness identifications are handled during trials. To combat this reliance on questionable testimonies, law enforcement agencies should adopt scientifically validated procedures for conducting lineups and witness interviews (National Academy of Sciences, 2014). This adoption would not only enhance the accuracy of eyewitness accounts but also help to restore faith in the legal process.

Moreover, the book also reveals the role that racial bias plays in wrongful convictions. Ronald Cotton's story is particularly telling; as a Black man accused of a crime against a white woman, he faced double jeopardy in a society marred by racial prejudices. Research indicates that race can significantly influence jury decisions and perceptions of guilt (Eberhardt et al., 2006). Systemic racism is entrenched within the legal framework, contributing to disproportionate rates of incarceration among people of color. To address this issue, the justice system must actively work towards bias training for law enforcement personnel and jurors alike. Only with a concerted effort to confront and dismantle these biases can the justice system begin to rectify the inequalities faced by marginalized communities (Alexander, 2010).

However, acknowledging the prevalence of wrongful convictions does not imply a call for their unconditional absolution; rather, it fosters an understanding of the intricate dynamics at play. The refutation of the argument against wrongful conviction often arises from proponents who believe that the legal system is sufficiently robust to minimize errors. They might argue that the high conviction rates sustain public confidence in law enforcement. Nevertheless, this argument disregards the irrevocable damage done to innocent lives, as seen in Cotton's struggle post-exoneration. Studies have shown that wrongful convictions lead to significant psychological trauma, loss of family ties, and economic hardship for those affected (Garrett, 2011). Hence, prioritizing the prevention of wrongful convictions is not merely a matter of theoretical justice but one rooted in the lived experiences of individuals who have been deeply affected by such miscarriages of justice.

In conclusion, Picking Cotton serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities within the American judicial system regarding wrongful convictions. The deeply intertwined issues of flawed eyewitness identifications and systemic biases not only jeopardize the lives of the accused but also challenge the very essence of justice itself. It is imperative that reforms be introduced to rectify these injustices, ensuring that the legal system reflects truth and integrity. To pave the way for a more equitable judicial process, society must confront the pervasive biases and commit to evidence-based practices that safeguard against wrongful convictions. The ramifications of ignoring these issues extend far beyond the courtroom, ultimately impacting societal trust and the fundamental ideals upon which justice stands.

References

  • Alexander, M. (2010). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press.

  • Eberhardt, J. L., Goff, P. A., Purdie, V. J., & Davies, P. G. (2006). Seeing Black: Race, Crime, and Visual Processing. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 87(6), 876-893.

  • Garrett, B. L. (2011). Convicting the Innocent: Sixty Years of Wrongful Convictions in the United States. Northwestern University Law Review, 104(4), 1087-1125.

  • Loftus, E. F. (2018). Eyewitness Testimony. Harvard University Press.

  • National Academy of Sciences. (2014). Generating Evidence to Support Eyewitness Identification Reforms. The National Academies Press.

  • Thompson, J., & Cotton, R. (2009). Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption. St. Martin's Press.

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