“The Staircase” Final Write-Up

Using your notes and additional research you will respond to all of the following. Your responses must be TYPED and submitted via EMAIL to

Facts of the Case:

Dates, location, victim(s), cause of death, crime scene and events preceding death of Kathleen Peterson

Background Information:

  • Accused (employment, places of residence, sexual/relationships in the past)
  • Peterson Family – include a family tree
  • Family members’ support or lack of support during trial

Key Evidence:

  • As much detail as possible
  • Questioned evidence – why is it questioned and by what side? Why was it admitted? Should it have been admitted?
  • Science, science, science

Summary of Prosecution and Defense case:

  • Important individuals
  • Interpretation of evidence
  • German investigation
  • Witnesses
  • Expert testimony – helpful or hurtful to Michael Peterson?
  • How were the two sides different? Similar? How was the interaction between the two?
  • Media presence during the trial and how it may have impacted the trial
  • Role of family(ies) during the trial – did it impact the trial?
  • Makeup of the jury – is it relevant to the outcome of the trial? Why or why not?

Verdict:

Do you agree? Why or why not? Be SPECIFIC. Was there reasonable cause, without a shadow of doubt? “Fully satisfied that entirely convinces”?

Future:

  • What happened after the 2003 verdict?
  • Appeals and their results; other possible theories
  • Michael’s time in prison
  • Where is his family now? What are they doing? Do they still support him?

Category / Max. Points / Points Earned / Comments
Basic Facts of the Case / 2
Complete and DETAILED description of key evidence / 10
Summary of Prosecution / 2
Summary of Defense / 2
Verdict – Agree or disagree and why / 5
Future:
-Other possible theories for Kathleen’s death
-Michael Peterson
-Family members / 9
TOTAL (Summative) / 30