Leg 320 assignment 2: criminal defenses and criminal punishment

Due Week 7 and worth 170 points

It is common knowledge that two controversial issues in the American legal system are the types of criminal defenses and the manner of criminal punishment. In this assignment, you will explore both in their various forms.

Use the Internet or Strayer databases to research the types of criminal defenses and the manner of criminal punishment.

Write a four to six (4-6) page paper in which you:

1.      Specify the key points involved in the court determining the lawfulness of the use of force. Next, evaluate the level of objectivity inherent in each point that you have specified.

2.      Determine the fundamental difference between the castle doctrine and stand your ground types of criminal defenses. Justify the validity of each, and provide one (1) example of each to support your response.

3.      Analyze the overall role that double jeopardy clause plays within the trial system. Next, evaluate the general level of fairness of double jeopardy to the defense. Provide a rationale to support your response.

4.      Specify the basic features of adversarial system. Next, support or critique the value of the adversarial system within the criminal law system in the United States. Justify your response.

5.      Argue for or against the right to a speedy trial, as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Provide a rationale to support your response.

6.      Use at least three (3) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar type Websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

·         Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

·         Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

·         Describe the nature and history of American criminal law.

·         Explain the role of individuals and federal, state, and local government agencies in crime fighting and prosecution of criminal offenses.

·         Analyze the essential legal elements of criminal conduct.

·         Contrast crimes against persons, crimes against property, and other types of criminal conduct.

·         Use technology and information resources to research issues in criminal law.

·         Write clearly and concisely about criminal law using proper writing mechanics.