Part 1: David's Case David was a gardener with a reputation for being a very passive and mild mannered person. Over a very short period of time his behaviour changed markedly. He became very bad tempered and lashed out at family mem- bers, something they describe as being completely out of character for him. While working at a client's house he got into an argument with her and beat her to death. The prosecution argued that he had lost his temper and murdered her in a fit of rage. The jury believed the prosecution and he was sentenced to life in prison. Discussion Questions: Based on your review of David's case, what assumptions did you make about his behaviour? Do you think David was responsible for his crime? How significant is it that David was reported to be acting "out of character" in the days immediately prior to the murder? What other factors may be at play? Summarize your answers to the questions and include them in your short essay in the format outlined in the assignment Directions, then proceed to Part 2 to continue the assignment. Part 2: David's Physical Condition At his trial, David's defence argued that his behaviour had not been under his control. Shortly before his behaviour changed, David had accidentally been exposed to a high concentration of an organophosphate pesticide called carbaryl. Carbaryl is a substance that can have an effect on the nervous system. In fact, it behaves similarly to many nerve gasses (chemical weap- ons that exert their effect by impairing the functioning of the nervous system). Carbaryl works by affecting the way that brain cells communi- cate with each other. This communication occurs at synapses, little gaps at the junctions of nerve cells. Neurones (nerve cells) release chemicals to send signals across the gap. These chem- icals are called neurotransmitters. After it has been released, the neurotransmitter is broken down to prevent it from stimu- lating the post-synaptic neurone for any longer than necessary. Carbaryl prevents the breakdown of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine (ACh). Exposure to high doses of carbaryl causes ACh to build up in the brain and other parts of the nervous system. One of the many parts of the brain that uses ACh is a structure called the hypothalamus. This structure is im- portant in a huge range of behaviours including eating, drinking, sex, and aggression. Electrical stimulation of specific parts of the hypothalamus can cause a rat to show signs of rage and attack behaviour. David's Case David's defence argued that the carbaryl to which he had been exposed had affected the functioning of his hypothalamus. A small provocation would have started the parts of the hypothalamus associated with attack behaviours to start firing. However, because of the carbaryl, they would not have been able to stop, leading to uncontrolled rage and aggression. Discussion Questions: Based on the evidence provided, do you think David is morally responsible for his crime? What possible environmental influences may have incited David to act as he did? Why do you think the jury believed the prosecution in spite of the defence's argument? How does this case affect your views on the nature versus nurture debate? Summarize your answers to the questions and include them in your short essay in the format outlined in the assignment Directions Case study and questions adapted from Case 4 - David in Sammons, A., (n.d.) Directions 1. Complete Part 1 and Part 2 of David's Case. 2. Reflect on your answers the questions in light of what you have learned this week and what you know about the nature-nurture debate in criminology. Consider whether there are any insights, observations, or evidence you can provide in support of your opinions from both the case study itself and the course content. 3. Proceed to organize your thoughts according to the following structure: Introduction - Provide an introduction to the case, its challenges, and your general argument. Analysis - Answer the discussion questions provided using evidence from the case or course. Conclusion - Summarize your general conclusions and outstanding questions. This is piece of formal academic writing and should follow the general rules for academic writing and writing style. Write in full sentences and paragraphs. Be sure to cite any sources using APA@Conestoga . This short essay should be a minimum of 500 words (or two pages double-spaced) up to a maximum of 750 words. Use Times New Roman or Arial 12-point font in black ink only.