Paper Four: Assignment Length 4-12 Pages, Double Spaced

Paper Four Assignmentlength 4 12 6 Pages Double Spaced Twelve Po

For your final paper in this class, you’ll need to think of a current controversy within your major. Examine what you know about your major so far by engaging in step one of critical thinking: ask some questions. What are people in the field arguing about? What are people outside of the field arguing about things within the field saying? Are there problems that need to be solved in your field? Are there concepts you don't understand or that others outside of the field misinterpret? Is there policy that affects the teaching of your field, or the types of work people do within it? Another way to think of this is whether there are any controversies in your field or related to your field. Controversial people, court cases, new policies, and new versus old ways of doing things within the field are all ways to think about finding a problem to dig into for this paper. If you can’t think of a suitable argument, think of a (current or past) controversial figure.

This person must be controversial not because of any personal habits but because they stirred up controversy within the domain; in other words, the field (judges/colleagues) should be somewhat divided on their feelings towards this person. Sources: Once you’ve got a controversy, do some research to help you with step two: reasoning it out. Your paper will need to incorporate at least four sources, two of which must be written from opposing (or very different) viewpoints. For prewriting purposes, go around the circle of elements and through the standards with each of your sources. See page 68 in Nosich for help going around the circle with your sources.

Next, think out your own opinion on this issue or person. For prewriting purposes, go around the circle of elements and through the standards with your own thoughts, the question at issue being, “What is my opinion about this issue/person in my field?” Also consider why you think the way you do about the issue by examining any impediments to or filters for your critical thinking: how has your point of view shaped your opinion? Paper Requirements: Now that you’ve done the hard work, write a 4 & 1/2-6-page paper in which you · Give your reader context to understand the controversy in your major · Explain your opinion on this issue or person (thesis statement) and · Create paragraphs around topics that help you argue your case and use your sources to back you up or to argue against. You need at least one concession and refutation in the paper, and the concession needs to have a strong source in its defense. · You’re not required to use each element and standard when speaking of your sources and your own opinion, but your paper must go beyond simply arguing your case—you’ve got to be analyzing (with the elements) and evaluating (with the standards) why you feel this way. Evaluate your sources and your own thinking as you write. · Use bold font to designate the elements and standards you do use; try for at least three in any combination in each body paragraph. (You may put elements and/or standards in parentheses if you'd prefer not to use the words in your sentences.) · Conclude with a larger "So what?" that attempts to tell your readers why this issue is relevant or should be relevant to them.

Paper For Above instruction

The chosen controversy for this paper is the ongoing debate surrounding the implementation and ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal decision-making processes. As AI technology swiftly advances, its use in judiciary systems has become a contentious issue within the legal domain. Some legal scholars and practitioners advocate for AI to assist or even replace human judges in certain cases, citing efficiency and consistency. Others warn against over-reliance on algorithms, emphasizing concerns over bias, accountability, and the erosion of human judgment. To contextualize this controversy, it’s essential first to understand the development of AI in judicial settings, including recent court cases and policy proposals that highlight differing viewpoints among legal professionals (Opposing viewpoints, Standard 1). The controversy primarily revolves around whether AI can or should be entrusted with the intricacies of justice, with critics arguing that AI lacks moral reasoning and empathy, while proponents believe it could reduce human error and bias (Standard 2). The stakes include ensuring fair trials and safeguarding democratic principles, raising questions about how technology intersects with fundamental human rights.

My position is cautiously optimistic about integrating AI into the judicial process but assert that it should serve as an aid rather than a replacement for human judgment. I believe that while AI can enhance efficiency and consistency, it cannot fully replicate the moral and ethical considerations that underpin justice. This perspective is shaped by my understanding of the limitations of current AI systems, which often reflect the biases present in their training data (Element 1). I also recognize that, as some opponents argue, over-reliance on machine decision-making risks dehumanizing justice, potentially leading to rulings devoid of compassion or contextual understanding (Standard 3). Conversely, I acknowledge that proponents’ views—highlighting AI’s capabilities to process large volumes of data and mitigate human error—are valid; hence, I propose a hybrid model where AI supports judicial decisions without eliminating human oversight. This approach respects the standards of fairness and accountability while leveraging technological benefits (Element 2).

A significant concession in this debate is the argument that AI can, in certain contexts, eliminate conscious or unconscious biases rooted in human judges, potentially leading to more equitable outcomes (Standard 4). However, this concession must be countered with evidence demonstrating that AI systems themselves are susceptible to bias, often mirroring societal prejudices encoded in their algorithms (Standard 5). For example, studies have shown that facial recognition technologies used in law enforcement exhibit racial biases, which could extend to legal decision-making AI if not carefully regulated (Refutation). Therefore, strict oversight and transparency are necessary to prevent AI from perpetuating or exacerbating injustices.

In analyzing this controversy, it becomes clear that the question of whether AI should be integrated into judicial processes hinges on weighing the benefits of efficiency and consistency against the risks of bias and dehumanization. Proper evaluation of sources reveals that while AI can contribute to fairer decisions under strict regulation, unchecked deployment poses substantial ethical challenges. My own reasoning affirms that the ultimate goal should be augmenting human judgment with technological support, rather than replacing it entirely. This stance aligns with the broader standards of fairness, accountability, and ethical practice, which must guide innovations in the legal system. By critically examining both positions and the evidence supporting them, the controversy underscores the importance of careful policymaking and ongoing oversight.

Why does this controversy matter? Because the integration of AI into judicial decision-making embodies broader societal values about justice, human rights, and technological progress. As courts increasingly rely on algorithmic tools, the potential for both improved efficiency and significant harm grows. It is therefore imperative that legal professionals, policymakers, and technologists collaborate to develop standards that maximize benefits and minimize risks. The ongoing debate serves as a microcosm of the challenges faced by society at large in balancing innovation with ethical responsibility. Ensuring that AI enhances rather than undermines the fundamental principles of justice is a matter that affects not only the legal domain but also democratic governance and societal faith in the rule of law.

References

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