It’s time for our mock trial, and you have been selected as a jury member Attached is the mock trial transcript, which should download and read. Then, debate with the rest of the jury members (the class) by posting your thoughts on the following:
Part 1 (worth 1.50 points) (Due Thursday night of the week):
Post your thoughts as to if the Defendant is Guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” and explain why (i.e., specifically point to facts in the case that you believe support your thoughts). Your first posting should specifically state which statute the defendant is guilty under and try to convince other students you are correct by explaining your rationale by pointing to specific facts. Your deliberations should be posted with the title or in the reason line “1st deliberation” to show the instructor and other students these are your first thoughts.
Part 2 (worth .50 points) (Due by the deadline for this week’s assignments):
(This part I have to do on my own and reply to the class)
Part 3 (worth 3 points) (Due by the deadline for this week’s assignments):
AFTER you finish posting your two (2) “deliberations” postings, then post your final personal verdict and title it “verdict” in the subject line and title of your posting. You should address in your “verdict” posting using the following bullet points:
Is the Defendant Guilty? (ie. all the elements of the crime have been proven by “beyond a reasonable doubt”)
If the Defendant is guilty, then which of the degrees of the crime is he guilty of (1st Degree or 2nd Degree–see the Florida Statute and Charging documents) and explain what evidence convinced you that the defendant was guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” and why?
IF you feel that the Defendant is NOT Guilty, then explain why you feel that way, pointing to specific evidence that would prevent the prosecutor from proving the charges “beyond a reasonable doubt”.
You must have a total of three (3) separate postings—two (2) “deliberations” and one (1) for your verdict by the deadline.
HOW WILL YOU BE GRADED? I AM LOOKING FOR YOUR STATEMENTS TO BE BACKED UP BY CERTAIN FACTS/TESTIMONY OR EVIDENCE (TO SHOW ME YOU REALLY READ THE TRANSCRIPT!). Simply making statements like “I feel”, but not referring to the facts or testimony which you base your thoughts or conclusions on, will only earn you partial points for each posting. ALSO—posting at the last minute or last hour and rapidly in succession DOES NOT reflect “deliberations” with other students–you should post THROUGHOUT this week and actually show a deliberative point and counter-point argument with your other students. You will lose points if your postings are at the last minute and “rushed” without any type of analysis or references to the facts/testimony.
