In Units 3 through 5, you follow a scenario as a case moves from initial crime through sentencing. This scenario is representative of many real-world cases where multiple jurisdictions are involved. As the case progresses, the relevant laws and various parties (police officers, attorneys, community members, and so on) all affect how the case moves through the criminal justice system. In each unit, you will receive additional information that may influence how you interpret the case or choose to proceed.

In this unit, you review the case from the perspective of the judge and a jury member:

Review the scenario presented in Units 3 & 4 and the additional information provided below:

Mr. Stamps was put on trial for robbery of the postal employee at the post office. A jury of 12 individuals was empaneled to hear the case and after 2 hours of deliberations returned a guilty verdict for robbery.

Use the Sentencing Guidelines CalculatorLinks to an external site. (which is based on federal law) to explore some of the factors that would be considered in sentencing Mr. Stamps in federal district court for a violation of 18 U.S.C. 2114 (robbery).

Write analysis of the scenario in which you address the following:

• As a judge, how would sentencing guidelines play a role when imposing your sentence?
• What legal requirements govern how judges use sentencing guideline in a criminal case?
• What are some of the philosophical issues that the jury members might discuss during their deliberations related to sentencing the defendant?
• If the defendant was convicted of the post office robbery in your state's trial court, what avenues for appeal would be available to him? What options would the defendant have for review of the conviction by federal courts? What options for appeal would be available if the defendant had been tried and convicted in U.S. District Court?