Assignment 3
You may conduct your own research in answering the questions below, but also consider the following two links for support:
Aaron Hernandez
Aaron Hernandez Part 2
After reviewing the information provided, submit a paper using the format below and answering the following questions supported by specific authority from the links provided.
A. Introduction
Give a brief overview of the facts of the case, including an explanation of the specific statute(s) under which the defendant was charged and/or convicted and the ultimate outcome of the case
Give a brief explanation of the burden of proof, which is proof beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal prosecution.
Give a brief explanation of why the Hernandez trial was so important to the prosecution of crimes in the United States.
B. Opening Statements
Which attorney was most persuasive and why?
Which attorney gave the jury more significant facts to consider and what were those facts?
C. Establishing/Challenging a Prima Facie Case for Murder
Name one key witness who helped establish a prima facie case of homicide for the prosecution or challenged a prima facie case for the defense, and explain why he or she helped or hurt the prosecution of the case.
D. Evidence
What other evidence (other than testimony) was significant in establishing or challenging a prima facie case of murder? Why was this significant?
E. Closing Arguments
Describe why one argument was more persuasive than the other.
Discuss what in particular may have persuaded the jury one way or the other based on the closing argument.
F. Outside Factors
What, if any, outside factors (media, public opinion, etc.) affected the trial and/or the outcome of the case and how did they do so? (What book?)
G. Concluding thoughts
Discuss why this case is important to the study of criminal justice and criminal prosecution, and how reading primary documentation about it has changed your own perspective on the case.