Instruction
Answer the following essay questions for each of those chapters:
Chapter Four:
1) In your opinion, is the death penalty cruel and unusual (and thus unconstitutional) in modern day America?
2) Discuss two practices used centuries ago in England to avoid severe punishments
3) In your opinion, are three-strikes law cruel and unusual punishment? Are they a wise policy?
4) What do you believe is the best remedy for recidivism?
5) What forms of punishment are available to the courts and to which types of crimes are they applied? Give examples.
Chapter Five:
1) Discuss the Fourth Amendment approach to the use of force
2) Discuss the arguments for and against permitting citizens to use force against unlawful arrests
3) What is the rationale behind "Good Samaritan" laws?
4) Describe the circumstances under which a person may use force in defense of another.
5) Compare and contrast the rationales of "duty to retreat" and "stand your ground."
Chapter Six:
1) Discuss, compare and contrast use and transactional immunity. Which one would defendants prefer to have?
2) Discuss the four factors courts balance in determining whether there has been a violation of the Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial
3) Discuss, compare and contrast the doctrines of double jeopardy, res judicata and collateral estoppel
4) Explain the differences between diplomatic immunity, legislative immunity, and witness immunity
5) Describe circumstances when duress or coercion does not constitute a valid defense and when it does constitute a valid legal defense
Chapter Nine:
1) Discuss and explain three types of unprotected speech
2) Discuss concept and two forms of defamation and it's relationship to the First Amendment
3) Explain whether or not you believe panhandling or begging should always be prohibited
4) Describe two positions of the NRA concerning gun control laws
5) Describe and discuss the "clear and present danger" test
Chapter Ten:
1) Using examples, explain when legal justification for killing may exist
2) Discuss the arguments for and against euthanasia
3) What are the differences between "perfect" and "imperfect" self-defense?
4) Discuss hypothetical circumstances under which "wanton or reckless conduct" might occur.
5) Compare the concepts of "heat of passion" and "cooling of the blood."
Chapter Eleven:
1) Why do you believe elderly abuse is increasing?
2) Discuss the motives for parental kidnapping
3) Compare the differences between "assault" and "battery."
4) Discuss some examples of road rage that you've either read about in your community or that you've witnessed
5) Discuss the causes, potential prevention and eventual punishment of domestic violence