In some countries, including Mexico, Korea and Germany, young male adults must perform military service. This is not the case currently in the United States or Canada. Would it be a good idea for North America to adopt military conscription? You can discuss this issue and its effects and consequences from both a legal and social point of view.
The topic of capital punishment is an ongoing debate in the criminal justice system. It can be discussed from various points of view. A good essay topic would be whether it is a cruel or inhumane treatment and how the justice system can ensure that the sentenced criminals are infallibly guilty for the committed crimes.
Legalization of marijuana is topical as a number of attempted bills such as Proposition 19 in California demonstrate. In fact, marijuana has been approved for medicinal purposes in various states within the United States as well as in Canada. What kind of effects would its legalization have on society and organized crime? Would it help reduce drug trafficking, and at what cost? There are many interesting topics related to the question of legalizing marijuana.
In modern days, terrorism has been a constant and serious threat to life and freedom. There are a host of complex legal issues involved with the war on terrorism. Should terrorists be tried in military or civil court? Should citizens of other countries have the same legal rights as American citizens? There is still no consensus on these controversial issues.