The Case
Where did the Curtis Flowers case take place?
What’s the difference between a claim and a thesis?
A claim is your main point; a thesis clearly states your position and reasoning in one sentence.
Define “prosecutorial misconduct.”
When a prosecutor acts unethically or illegally, such as withholding evidence or manipulating the jury.
What’s the difference between evidence and reasoning?
Evidence is what supports your claim; reasoning explains how or why it supports it.
What should the intro paragraph of an argument essay include?
hook, context, defensible thesis
How many trials did Curtis Flowers face?
Six criminal trials over more than 20 years
Define counterargument and explain why it’s important.
A counterargument is an opposing viewpoint. Addressing it strengthens your credibility and shows complexity of thought.
Give one example of how Curtis Flowers’ case demonstrates systemic bias.
The prosecutor repeatedly struck Black jurors, even across multiple trials.
What makes evidence “relevant” and “sufficient”?
Relevant: it directly supports your claim. Sufficient: there’s enough of it to make the argument convincing
What does a strong topic sentence accomplish?
clearly connects the paragraph’s idea back to the thesis and guides the reader to what the paragraph will be about
What was the main type of misconduct identified in his trials?
Prosecutorial misconduct, especially racial discrimination in jury selection
What are the three rhetorical appeals, and which might be strongest in your argument prompt?
Ethos (credibility), Pathos (emotion), Logos (logic). For this prompt, logos (reasoning and justice) is strongest
What does “presumption of innocence” mean?
That a person is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
What are the two main types of evidence used in argument essays?
Factual evidence (data, history, examples) and anecdotal evidence (personal experience or observation).
How many pieces of evidence should you strive to have per body paragraph in an argument essay?
2
Which constitutional right is most connected to the idea of “innocent until proven guilty”?
The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments (due process clause).
What’s one rhetorical strategy that can strengthen your argument and how?
Concession + refutation: acknowledging the opposing view, then explaining why your stance is more valid.
Why is racial representation on a jury so important in a fair trial?
a diverse jury helps ensure multiple perspectives and prevents systemic bias from influencing the verdict.
What’s the danger of relying too much on emotional appeals when discussing justice?
It can make the argument seem biased or manipulative, weakening logical credibility.
What is wrong with this paragraph?
The justice system completely failed Curtis Flowers. “The prosecutor struck nearly every Black juror from the panel” shows that racial bias was clearly present, but the courts ignored it. This makes it seem like fairness only matters when it’s convenient.
It did not introduce the evidence it is using
Fixed:
The justice system completely failed Curtis Flowers, revealing deep flaws in how fairness is applied. In the In the Dark podcast investigation, reporter Madeleine Baran explains that “the prosecutor struck nearly every Black juror from the panel,” exposing a clear pattern of racial bias that shaped the outcome of each trial. By grounding the argument in documented evidence, the injustice becomes undeniable rather than just emotional opinion.
How did the U.S. Supreme Court get involved in the Curtis Flowers case, and what did they rule?
In 2019 (Flowers v. Mississippi), the Supreme Court overturned his conviction due to racial bias in jury selection.
What does it mean to “qualify” an argument?
To partly agree and partly disagree, or to show nuance instead of an absolute stance.
What does the phrase “beyond a reasonable doubt” mean?
That the evidence must be so convincing that no reasonable person could question the defendant’s guilt.
Why should you avoid stacking multiple quotes without explanation?
It weakens your argument—the reader needs to see your thinking, not just your sources.
List the 4 step approach to an argument essay
1- determine what the question/prompt is asking you to do
2- pick an opinion and stick with it
3- craft a defensible thesis
4- construct your argument