GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER

VIDEO ASSIGNMENT

 

 After watching the video “Getting Away With Murder,” what is your opinion about the legal principle of double jeopardy?

 Should this constitutional right be changed to allow for a second trial when clear unmistakable evidence would produce a more just outcome?

 Research the arguments for and against the rule of double jeopardy…what do legal scholars have to say about this issue?  Which opinion do you support more? Explain why. (Remember to cite at least two credible references on the subject – minimum 300 typed words).

Opening Argument – Fictitious Crime

 

Beginning October 13^th, each of you must be ready to present your opening argument on behalf of the prosecution for the crime story you created and the corresponding statute in the Revised Code of Washington.

 

You will be given no more than a minute to explain to the “jury” the nature of the crime(s) committed and how each act by the defendant conforms to the elements found in the crime you are trying to prove.  Remember, the mental state, harm done, and attendant circumstances must all be linked to an element in the statute.  Be clear and concise but not so brief as to convey to the jury that you do not know your RCW or have sufficient facts/proof to sustain the charges against the defendant.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

MAJOR CRIMES PORTFOLIO

 

Criminal Justice students will advance their awareness and understanding of the Washington Criminal Code and specific crimes by regularly surveying local news outlets such as the Seattle Times ( www.seattletimes.com) and other credible new sources.  Students must assemble a varied sampling of news articles that describe crimes occurring locally, regionally, and nationally in the United States. 

 

Each entry into the Major Crimes Portfolio must contain certain elements to include the following:

Entry Requirements:

The complete headline of the article and a copy of the article that explains essentially what occurred.  If the article exceeds two pages, you must edit and keep only the essential parts of the article that explains what the actions of the offender happened to be.  The article may or may not detail whether an arrest was made however you must establish, based on the facts outlined in the article, specifically what crime has occurred according to the Revised Code of Washington.  Label this section – “ Crime InThe News.”

After identifying what crime has occurred, you must detail in your analysis of the specific R.C.W. the statute number and the applicable language in the statute that applies to the facts of the article.  You can copy-paste or underline the applicable section found in the RCW. Label this section - “Elements of the Crime.”

Each entry should contain a graphic, picture, etc. that offers a visual reference of the type of crime. 

Each entry should document what the most recent local, state or national statistics are concerning that particular crime.  Label this section -“Statistics.”

Each entry should include a list of strategies recommend by credible authorities on how individuals or society as a whole can prevent such crimes.   Label this section - “Prevention Strategies.”

 

Minimum No. (Done Well): 14 = C, 16 = B, 20 = A

 

Your completed Portfolio is due Wednesday – November 4, 2009.

Extra Credit available if submitted on November 2nd!