Description
You will create this assignment following the Assignment Detail instructions below.
Review the tutorial How to Submit an Individual Project.
Assignment Details
Shortly before midnight, Mr. Ross is driving through a residential area in an attempt to get his wife, who is in labor, to the hospital. The posted speed limit is 30 mph, but Mr. Ross is anxious to get his wife to the hospital and is driving 75 mph. In a dark area, the car strikes a 10-year old boy and his mother who are walking across the street. The boy is instantly killed, and the mother severely injured and unconscious. Mr. Ross loses control of the vehicle, the car hits a pole, and he and his wife suffer minor cuts and scratches. Mr. Ross, in shock and panic, takes a bat out of his disabled car and stops a passing vehicle by force, throwing the driver to the ground, placing his wife in the stolen vehicle and leaving the scene. The police ultimately apprehend him several blocks from the scene and arrest him.
You work for a private investigation firm specializing in criminal investigations for criminal defense attorneys like the one who represents Mr. Ross. You assure Mr. Ross’s attorney, who has hired your firm, that your information will be accurately assessed with the explanation of the events that occurred, as outlined above. Your job is to conduct an independent criminal assessment of what happened in this case, based upon the facts outlined above, and provide the attorney with your analysis of the case against Mr. Ross.
You may have some reservations in helping the attorneys for Mr. Ross. While the facts may be troubling, The U.S. criminal justice system depends on everyone’s presumption of innocence, access to a vigorous defense, and being found guilty only when the prosecution proves beyond a reasonable doubt to affirm a conviction. Review the following cases and video to learn more about the importance of criminal defense:
Powell v. Alabama
Gideon v. Wainwright
Rothgery v. Gillespie County
Luis v. U.S.
This video explains the importance of an accused’s right to counsel (LawShelf, 2020):
The attorney asks you to make sure that you address the following areas of concern, and any other information that you feel pertains to the case, in a 2 page report:
Based upon your opinion, reading assignments, and research, should Mr. Ross be charged with any crimes? Identify the crimes and explain why he should be charged.
If you believe homicide is a relevant charge, discuss the specific charge, the pertinent elements of the charge, and what would be required to convict.
If you believe robbery is a relevant charge, discuss the specific charge, the pertinent elements of the charge, and what would be required to convict.
If Mr. Ross is charged, should he be charged with a property crime or a crime of violence? Explain why.
If you conclude that Mr. Ross has not committed a crime, explain why.
Please submit your assignment.
For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.
The following grading rubric will be used for this assignment: Grading Rubric.
Assignment Reminders:
Please submit your assignment.
Make sure you submit this assignment by the listed due date. Late deductions will apply for this assignment. Please refer to the Late Submission of Assignment policy.
If you need assistance, please view the Troubleshooting tips.
Resave in the proper format per the Assignment Detail instructions and resubmit.
Submit with a different Web browser.
Submit from a different computer.
Call Technical Support at 877-221-5800, Menu Option 2. They are open 24/7.
If you are still having difficulties after trying steps 1-4, please contact your course instructor.
References
LawShelf. (2020, March 22). Due process rights in criminal case: The right To counsel [Video]. You Tube. https://youtu.be/ITByZAM_tOY
Instructor’s Comments
There are no instructor comments added at this time.
