"Law and Order: Sundown" and criminal elements continued

Part I:  While watching the episode of "Law and Order: Sundown" you were making note of the crime committed and the evidence that could be used to prove the criminal elements of actus reus (guilty act) and mens rea (guilty mind).  Your homework was to write a paragraph or two to state your position on these two options:

1. You agreed with the judge's decision to allow Mr Hallenbeck to stand trial and face charges for the murder of his wife - justify.
2. You agreed with the defence attorney and thought that standing trial with the possibility to go to prison would be considered "cruel and unusual punishment" in this case due to Mr Hallenback having Alzheimer's.  In other words, mercy is warranted here for justice to be served. (This is based on the idea that prison itself is a punishment but the prison environment is not meant to be "punishing.

Today in class - 3 mini juries were formed and your job was to reach consensus on the above task.

Part II:  Reflections -  Individual (hand in with your notes and paragraphs from yesterday)

1.  Describe, in your own words, the learning intentions of the activity (skills and/or legal content).

2.  What did you learn about yourself through participation in the activity?  What skills are improving? What skills do you need help with or are you still weak in?  How might I support you and/ or what can you do (specifically) to improve?

3.  Discuss your observations of your jury process - what did your group do well in terms of everyone participating and reaching consensus?  Did you notice whether particular people were helpful in the process? or a hindrance to the process?  If so, how did they help or how could you or your group address these counter productive behaviours in the future?

Part III:  Follow- up activity:  handouts Criminal Law Elements (mini case studies)

Part IV:  Text work - red text books

Read ch 4 - Make your own notes as to:

1. What 4 conditions must exist for an act to be considered a crime?  Create examples of acts or situations where one condition is omitted  (meaning 3/4 conditions exist but 1 is missing)
2. The difference between summary, indictable and hybrid offences (how they are treated and sentenced - along with examples)
3. Discuss the differences between the following parties to an offence:
• aiding
• abetting
• accessory after the fact
• conspiracy 

Part V:  prepare points to share with your parents at today's student-led conference  with this Guide

Part VI:  If time, today we will revisit and finish discussion on the Dudley and Steven's case and the Charter Scavenger Hunt.