Assignment Details
Unit 1 – Discussion Board (60 points)
Due: Tue, Sep 17 |
Description
In your own words, answer this unit’s discussion questions in a main post (recommended minimum 200 words), and respond to at least 2 peers’ postings (recommended minimum 75 words).
After you have reviewed the Assignment Details below, click the Launch Discussion Board link under the Assignments tab for this unit to open the Discussion Board and make your post.
Use these videos for help on how to post to the Discussion Board:
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Assignment Details
The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides the right to a jury trial in criminal prosecutions. Many criminal cases today are resolved through plea bargaining. However, if a case proceeds to trial, the defendant must make the decision of whether they want a trial by jury or a bench trial (in which a judge decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty).
Watch the following video about the history of jury trials, and provide your opinion about the following scenario and answer all the questions:
In a recent a case in the state of Washington, a woman was arrested and faces second-degree murder charges after she allegedly killed her husband of 45 years. The couple had five daughters. The marriage had a history of domestic abuse. Read the full story about the case here.
After reading about this case, discuss your thoughts below about the benefits of plea bargaining, a jury trial, or a bench trial.
What are some of the factors that you would consider when deciding whether this defendant should accept a plea bargain?
In your opinion, what are the benefits of a bench trial or a jury trial?
Do you believe that the outcome of this case would be more likely decided based on the facts or on emotion? How would knowing this affect the defendant’s decision in this case to choose between a bench trial and a jury trial?
For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.
Discussion Board Reminders:
Must have three posts: A Main Post and two replies to peers.
First post: Either your main post or a reply to others must be posted before midnight CT (Central time) on Friday of each week.
Second and third post: Must be posted on a different day from the first post.
Connect to Content: At least one post must refer to course learning materials. See the Academic Resource on Discussion Boards for help with connecting to the content.
Engaging in Class Discussions: For more information on making the most of your class dialog, review the Academic Resource on Discussion Boards.
Grading Rubric
Assignment Criteria Proficient Descriptor Points
Quality of Main Post
27 Points Total
Student’s main post meets or exceeds the following requirements
Responds completely to all of parts of discussion question. (7 points)
Communicates content information accurately and/or logically (7 points)
Delivers a thoughtful response demonstrating insights and reflections (7 points)
Connects to key content concepts and personal experiences (if applicable) (6 points)
/27 pts.
Response to Peers
24 Points Total
• Responds to a minimum of 2 peers. (12 points per response)
Substantive response (6 points)
Furthers the conversation with peers. Examples could include: (6 points)
Provides additional resources
Connects accurately to key concepts
Shares personal or professional experiences
Contributes new information or perspective
Presents a competing viewpoint
/24 pts.
Support from Learning Resources
4 Points Total
At least one post mentions course resources or library resources. /4 pts.
Professional Writing
5 Points Total
Response is well-organized, clear and free of grammatical and mechanical errors.
Posts demonstrate courtesy and respect for others.
/5 pts.
Total /60 pts.
References
Police: Marysville wife arrested in death of husband. (2020, September 14). Associated Press. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2020-09-14/police-marysville-wife-arrested-in-death-of-husband
TED-Ed. (2017, March 2). What happened to trial by jury? – Suja A. Thomas [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/qVoYFYxGJPg
Instructor’s Comments
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