Read the material in box 4.1 that starts on page 144 in the book Spohn, Cassia C. (2008). How Do Judges Decide: The Search for Fairness and Justice in Punishment. Sage Publisher. ISBN: 9781412961042 . Even though these are older cases, the sentencing pattern remains today. Answer the questions at the end of the article. What do you think? Is there a double standard, such that male teachers who have sexual relations with female students are punished more harshly than female teachers who have sexual relations with male students? If so, is this fair? Are there any legitimate reasons for treating the two types of cases differently?
Review this Website: Prisons and jails will separate millions of mothers from their children in 2022Links to an external site.. There is a lot of material presented. Name two facts or informative pieces of data that you think are important for your classmates to be aware of in this Criminal Sentencing class. You may also use the internal links built into the article to learn more and find more data.
Read the Hannah Overton StoryLinks to an external site. and watch the Hannah Overton videoLinks to an external site.. This is video 1 of 3 on YouTube. The second and third segments are available after watching the first one. Each is between 8 and 9 minutes. Other snippets are available on YouTube if you want to read more about her case. Hannah spent seven years in prison and her case has since been dropped. After understanding her story, then answer the questions below.
What mistakes did Hannah Overton make that set the course to be sentenced to life in prison? If you were in her shoes, what would you have done differently? We are all vulnerable to being wrongly accused.
What role did Hannah’s husband play in the case?
Discuss the concept of having good representation from defense attorneys versus poor defense attorneys. Who might you hire if you were in her shoes?
Do you view Hannah as a victim, an advocate, or an offender?
The concept of having good representation from defense attorneys versus poor defense attorneys
Full Answer Section
Whether or not Hannah is a victim, an advocate, or an offender is a complex question. On the one hand, she was clearly the victim of a crime when she was assaulted by her boyfriend. On the other hand, she has also been accused of committing a crime herself. It is important to remember that Hannah is presumed innocent until proven guilty. She has the right to a fair trial and to be represented by a competent defense attorney. Ultimately, it is up to a jury to decide whether or not Hannah is guilty of the crime she has been accused of. However, her defense attorney can play a crucial role in determining the outcome of her case. Here are some of the key differences between good and poor defense attorneys:- Knowledge of the law: A good defense attorney will have a deep understanding of the criminal justice system and the law that applies to their client's case. A poor defense attorney may have a less comprehensive understanding of the law, which could put their client at a disadvantage.
- Experience in the courtroom: A good defense attorney will have experience trying cases in court. This experience will give them a good understanding of how the courtroom works and how to present their client's case in the best possible light. A poor defense attorney may have less experience in the courtroom, which could put their client at a disadvantage.
- Skill in building a defense: A good defense attorney will be able to build a strong defense for their client. This may involve investigating the crime, interviewing witnesses, and developing legal arguments. A poor defense attorney may not be as skilled in building a defense, which could put their client at a disadvantage.
- Communication skills: A good defense attorney will be able to communicate effectively with their client, the prosecution, and the judge. They will also be able to explain the law to their client in a way that they can understand. A poor defense attorney may have difficulty communicating effectively, which could put their client at a disadvantage.
- Is experienced in defending clients accused of similar crimes
- Has a good reputation in the legal community
- Is able to communicate effectively with me and explain the law to me in a way that I can understand
- Is committed to fighting for my rights and protecting my interests
Sample Answer
The difference between good and poor defense attorneys can be profound. A good defense attorney will be familiar with the law, have experience in the courtroom, and be able to build a strong defense for their client. A poor defense attorney may lack these skills and experience, which could put their client at a disadvantage.
If I were in Hannah's shoes, I would hire a good defense attorney. I would want someone who could fight for my rights and protect my interests. I would also want someone who could explain the law to me and help me understand my options.