Criminal Research Assignment

Compose a research paper on one of the following Criminal Cases listed at the bottom of the next page. The purpose of this assignment is to assess and understand the significance and precedent established by each case. You will also look into whether you believe Nature or Nurture is to blame for the personality and actions of the individual you chose to research.

Present the information you uncover in a research paper. In a typical essay style, using paragraphs, in-text APA citations if any and your sources

The following should be included in your paper:

• Introduction- A brief background on the case you chose and why. Also, state why you believe the case to be significant to the study of law
• Summary- Background of the crime committed and of the individual
• Facts and/ or Prosecution Arguments- Presented in the trial AND an analysis/ discussion of the strength of the prosecution's evidence
• Defense Presented- In the trial AND an analysis of the strength to the defense's evidence
• Evidence Summary- Presented at the trial (a point-form summary of the key PHYSICAL evidence used in the trial, and why each piece of evidence was significant)
• Jury Decision and Sentence
• Nature versus Nurture- Analysis where you explain which side you feel is responsible for the personality and actions of the individual you are researching. Include specific examples and reason(s) for your argument.

Suggested Cases to choose from:

Charles Manson Paul Bernardo Karla Homolka David Berkowitz "Son of Sam" Joseph James D'Angelo "GoldenStateKiller"

Ted Bundy

OJ Simpson Dellen Millard Gary Ridgeway "Green River Killer" Elizabeth Wettlaufer Bruce McArthur Richard Ramirez "The Night Stalker" Keith Hunter Jesperson "The Happy Face Killer"

Robert Pickton