Sample Outline
SAMPLE OUTLINE: Persuasive (problem-solution) -- Full Sentence
Unconstitutional DUI Roadblocks
I. INTRODUCTION
A. (Attention Statement) Have you ever wondered why police can stop you at a DUI roadblock, or a “Sobriety Checkpoint”?
B. (Thesis) Roadblocks used to identify drunk drivers are unconstitutional and ineffective and should be removed.
C. (Significance to Audience/Credibility) According to a study conducted by the National Hard Core Drunk Driving Project in 2002, thirty nine states, including Pennsylvania, permit the use of random sobriety roadblocks.
D. (Preview of Main Points) First, I will discuss why DUI roadblocks are unconstitutional. Then I am going to give you some statistics on how ineffective DUI roadblocks really are. Finally, I’ll explain the only solution to this problem: removing these roadblocks.
[Transition] So how do roadblocks violate our rights?
II. BODY
A. (Main Point 1) First Problem
1. DUI roadblocks are an unconstitutional violation of our 4th amendment rights.
2. According to USconstitution.com, The Fourth Amendment states: “The right of people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
3. Roadblocks are usually established in locations that prevent easy avoidance, offer enough room for parking, issuing tickets, and usually are in places or at times that it doesn’t tie up traffic. They are usually set up DUI roadblocks at nighttime, and it can be a little nerve racking with the flashing lights, the presence of authority, and not to mention the police shining their flashlights into your face.
[Transition] Not only
Unconstitutional DUI Roadblocks
I. INTRODUCTION
A. (Attention Statement) Have you ever wondered why police can stop you at a DUI roadblock, or a “Sobriety Checkpoint”?
B. (Thesis) Roadblocks used to identify drunk drivers are unconstitutional and ineffective and should be removed.
C. (Significance to Audience/Credibility) According to a study conducted by the National Hard Core Drunk Driving Project in 2002, thirty nine states, including Pennsylvania, permit the use of random sobriety roadblocks.
D. (Preview of Main Points) First, I will discuss why DUI roadblocks are unconstitutional. Then I am going to give you some statistics on how ineffective DUI roadblocks really are. Finally, I’ll explain the only solution to this problem: removing these roadblocks.
[Transition] So how do roadblocks violate our rights?
II. BODY
A. (Main Point 1) First Problem
1. DUI roadblocks are an unconstitutional violation of our 4th amendment rights.
2. According to USconstitution.com, The Fourth Amendment states: “The right of people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
3. Roadblocks are usually established in locations that prevent easy avoidance, offer enough room for parking, issuing tickets, and usually are in places or at times that it doesn’t tie up traffic. They are usually set up DUI roadblocks at nighttime, and it can be a little nerve racking with the flashing lights, the presence of authority, and not to mention the police shining their flashlights into your face.
[Transition] Not only
Cited: Hanson, David J. “DWI/DUI Sobriety Road Blocks or Checkpoints.” The State University of New York. 10 May 2007 “PA Supreme Court Upholds Police Roadblocks.” Thenewspaper.com: A journal of the politics of driving. 17 Aug.2005 "Sobriety Checkpoints and Blanked Patrols Reduce Alcohol-Related Crashes" by National Hardcore Drunk Driver Project. Drunk Driving. James Haley, Ed. At Issue Series. Greenhaven Press, 2002. Reprinted from "Enforcement: Sobriety Checkpoints and Blanket Patrols," by National Hardcore Drunk Driving Project.