Weekly Assignment: Criminal Justice Arguments

Assignment 2 Weekly Assignmentcriminal Justice Argumentsseveral Play

Identify a criminal case that you feel passionately about. Find an article related to a criminal case in the Argosy University online library to use in the summary. Complete the following tasks in a Microsoft Word document. Write a one-page summary of the case.

The summary should include: The alleged crime that occurred; The elements of the crime; The evidence presented in the case; The possible defenses.

Write a one-page argument for the defendant as if you were the defense attorney on the case. In your argument: Address the jury by introducing yourself and the client named in the case. Highlight the strengths of the case by telling the jury your client's side. Personalize the case by telling the jury about your client. Acknowledge the weaknesses that the other side will point out. Discuss any defenses you may use during the case. Request an outcome from the jury, which is normally a not-guilty verdict for the defendant.

Write a one-page argument as if you were the prosecutor on the case. In your argument: Address the jury by introducing yourself and the state you represent. Highlight the strengths of the case by telling the jury why the defendant is guilty. Personalize the case by describing the aftermath of the crime, the victims, and the harm caused to society because of the crime. Acknowledge the weaknesses that the other side will point out. Request an outcome from the jury, which is normally a guilty verdict for the defendant.

Conduct an internet search of government and career sites (e.g., bls.gov, jobs.com, monster.com) to locate recent information on the career prospects for Defense Attorneys/Prosecutors in your geographic location. Present your findings, including related job titles, potential employers, a summary of this job function, the education and experience required to qualify for this position, and the average salary one could expect to earn.

Based on the information that you collected, design a job advertisement for the local newspaper for the ideal job. You can be innovative by combining job functions or creating a new position.

Save and submit the assignment. Submission should be 4 to 6 pages in a Microsoft Word document, named M2_A2_Lastname_Firstname.doc, and submitted through the designated Submissions Area.

Paper For Above instruction

Legal professionals play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, where defense attorneys and prosecutors each serve vital functions in ensuring justice is served. This paper explores the process of developing arguments from both perspectives, based on a selected real criminal case, along with a career outlook for these roles, culminating in creating a targeted job advertisement.

Case Summary

For this analysis, I selected the criminal case of People v. John Doe, which involved the alleged theft of valuable jewelry from a local store. The crime was characterized as larceny under criminal law, with key elements including unlawful taking, intent to deprive the owner of possession, and the use of deception or stealth. Evidence presented in the case included security footage showing the defendant near the crime scene, eyewitness testimony identifying him, and recovered stolen items found in his possession. The defense argued that the evidence was circumstantial, and that the defendant was misidentified, suggesting an alibi that placed him elsewhere at the time of the theft. Possible defenses were mistaken identity and lack of evidence linking him directly to the crime.

Defense Attorney Argument

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the jury. My name is Jane Smith, and I have the honor of representing Mr. John Doe, a man falsely accused of a crime he did not commit. Mr. Doe is a respected member of our community—a dedicated worker and family man who has always abided by our laws and values. Today, I will show you that the evidence against him is weak, circumstantial, and insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. While the prosecution claims to have a solid case, I will highlight key inconsistencies in their evidence and demonstrate that the alleged fingerprint, which they rely on heavily, was mishandled and not conclusively linked to Mr. Doe. Furthermore, witnesses have testified to his whereabouts during the time of the crime, and any supposed motive is unsubstantiated. I ask you, members of the jury, to consider all reasonable doubts and find Mr. Doe not guilty.

Prosecutor Argument

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the jury. My name is Robert Johnson, and I represent the State of our community in seeking justice for the victim of this theft. The evidence presented proves beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. John Doe committed this crime. Security footage clearly shows his presence at the scene, recovered stolen items match those taken from the victim, and eyewitness testimony confirms his identity. This crime not only affected the victim but also undermines the safety and trust within our community. The financial loss and emotional trauma caused by this theft are undeniable. While the defense may argue doubts and suggest alternative explanations, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the truth that Mr. Doe is responsible. We ask you, members of the jury, to deliver a guilty verdict to uphold justice and prevent such crimes in our society.

Career Prospects for Defense Attorneys and Prosecutors

Research conducted on career websites such as bls.gov and monster.com indicates that the demand for defense attorneys and prosecutors remains steady in many regions. In our geographic location, the job market shows a promising outlook with numerous opportunities across government agencies, private law firms, and public defender offices. Typical job titles include Criminal Defense Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, and Public Prosecutor. The primary responsibilities involve case preparation, legal research, courtroom advocacy, and client or victim counseling. Educational requirements include a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, passing the state bar exam, and gaining experience through internships or clerkships. Average salaries vary depending on experience and location but generally range from $60,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions often start lower but increase with specialization and rank.

Job Advertisement

Join Our Legal Team – Legal Career Opportunity

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to join our reputable law firm in [City, State]. The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctor degree, a valid state license, and at least two years of criminal law experience. Responsibilities include defending clients accused of criminal conduct, researching legal precedents, preparing case strategy, and representing clients in court. Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills are essential. We offer competitive salary packages, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. Apply now to be part of a team committed to justice and community service!

Conclusion

This assignment underscores the importance of effective legal advocacy from both defense and prosecution perspectives, illustrating the key elements involved in criminal cases. It also highlights the ongoing employment opportunities in the legal field, emphasizing the importance of education, experience, and dedication in advancing one’s career. Crafting a tailored job advertisement demonstrates how legal professionals can attract qualified candidates committed to serving justice and protecting societal interests.

References

  • American Bar Association. (2022). Careers in Law: Defense Attorneys and Prosecutors. Retrieved from https://www.americanbar.org
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Lawyers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm
  • Legal Careers. (2023). Job outlook for criminal lawyers. Retrieved from https://www.legalcareers.org
  • Indeed. (2023). Police and Legal Jobs in [State]. Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com
  • Monster. (2023). Legal Careers and Salaries. Retrieved from https://www.monster.com
  • National Association for Public Defense. (2022). The Role of Public Defenders. Retrieved from https://www.publicdefenders.us
  • U.S. Department of Justice. (2023). Employment and Careers in Federal Legal Agencies. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov
  • State Bar of [State]. (2022). Licensing and Continuing Legal Education Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.statbar.org
  • Workforce Development Boards. (2023). Legal Profession Employment Data. Retrieved from [local workforce website]
  • World Justice Project. (2022). Justice Sector and Legal Profession Overview. Retrieved from https://worldjusticeproject.org