Last Name, First Name
2014 Mock Trial Final Paper
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA VS. TAYLOR DURDEN 2015
The Burden of Proof
In the first paragraph summarize what the definition of manslaughter is as per the mock trial case packet in South Carolina, as well as the definition of Hazing in South Carolina, as per the case packet (See pages 61-65 in the packet)
In the next paragraph, look up how New York State defines manslaughter and Hazing and summarize how the statutes are defined in this state. Close the paragraph by telling me how they are similar or different based on your reading.
Finally, in paragraph three of the opening section, tell me what the burden of proof is in a criminal case and how a jury of twelve uses this burden of proof to decide a case. Describe the process, what they should take into consideration and how many jurors must agree to make the decision in a trial.
Chris Knight
In no more than 2 paragraphs, tell me about Chris Knight, his/her story and what he/she adds to this case. In addition, tell me if her story is something a jury will believe is credible (believable), what she will tell the jury and if it will help her side of the case. Also, discuss the importance of a police investigation and how it can help or hurt a criminal case.
Dr. Jamie Chessler
In no more than 2 paragraphs, tell me about Dr. Chessler, her/his story and what she/he adds to this case. In addition, tell me if his/her story is something a jury will believe is credible (believable), what he/she will tell the jury and if it will help her/his side of the case. Also, tell me why a Dr. is an important part of a criminal case and why they are allowed to testify, since they have no first-hand knowledge of what took place when the victim was killed or died.
Alex Richards
In no more than 2 paragraphs, tell me about Alex Richards, her/his story and what she/he adds to this case. In addition, tell me if his/her story is something a jury will believe is credible (believable), what he/she will tell the jury and if it will help her/his side of the case. Also, discuss why Alex Richards is testifying for the prosecution “after” being charged with the death of the victim himself? How can this be allowed and how does this detract from the witnesses ability to be believable for the jury?
Taylor Durden
In no more than 2 paragraphs, tell me about Taylor Durden, his story and what he adds to this case. In addition, tell me if his story is something a jury will believe is credible (believable), what he will tell the jury and if it will help her/his side of the case. Also, since this is the defendant in the case, explain to me why “legally” a defendant does not have to take the stand normally and testify. You can look online for information which explains a defendant rights in a criminal case in NYS as well. What can Durden say that can really help his case with the jury and what can he not say, since it will hurt his case.
Dr. Ryan Paulsen
In no more than 2 paragraphs, tell me about Dr. Paulsen, his story and what he adds to this case. In addition, tell me if his story is something a jury will believe is credible (believable), what he will tell the jury and if it will help his side of the case. Also, tell me why a Dr. is allowed to testify on behalf of the defendant if they have no first-hand knowledge of what happened and why this person is considered an expert by the court. What is the role of a pathologists opinion in a criminal trial as well?
Carson Baker
In no more than 2 paragraphs, tell me about Carson Baker, her/his story and what she/he adds to this case. In addition, tell me if his/her story is something a jury will believe is credible (believable), what he/she will tell the jury and if it will help her/his side of the case. Also, why is it an important thing to have a member of the fraternity/Sorority testify on behalf of the defendant in this case? What can they say to add to the story of the defendant and what can they say that could hurt this person?
Exhibits
You are required to choose 4 of the 10 exhibits in this packet that may be used in the mock trial case for your side of the argument. Period 4 is arguing the defense side and period 7 is arguing the prosecution side, so the choices of exhibits you make must be something your class attorneys plan to use. You may work with your team while they mark and move the exhibits into evidence, so you may learn how to describe the process, why it must be completed and describe the potential objections the other side may use to block them from coming in. This section should be no LESS than 3 paragraphs (One for each exhibit) and explain each in detail.
Steps in the trial
This is the “only” section of your paper you may put into a bulleted list. You must list the order for how this trial will take place. In addition, go online and look up the step by step process for how every criminal case is started and completed in New York State. Cite your website in the footer at the bottom of the page.
Final Thoughts
Tell me who will win this trial and why you believe this. Give details within the story you read and tell me what you believe the winning side will ask for. Also, tell me who the key witnesses for each side will be and why their testimony may make the jury decide with your conclusion