Criminal Defense Case Analysis

Resource: Lexis Uni Supreme Court Research Search

Sign in to the Lexis Uni website and navigate to the Criminal Justice Home page. Under “Recent Supreme Court Decisions”, click on “View all Supreme Court Decisions for Criminal Justice”. Then, narrow your search by “violent crimes”

Locate two U.S. Supreme Court cases that discuss various types of criminal defenses.

Write a 700- to 1,050-word case analysis in which you identify and examine the types of criminal defenses that were used. Include the following:

Explain the nature and types of defenses used in the cases. What evidence was used to demonstrate the defense?
Explain the similarities and differences between justification and excuse. Describe how justification and excuse play a role in the cases.
Describe the outcome of each case.
Format your case analysis consistent with APA guidelines.

Solution Preview

A crime is an omission or a commission of an act that is stated as an offence under the law and is punishable under the same law using the set standards. A crime may either be committed willing or unwilling. These are called Mensrea and Actus rea. Mensrea is the intention and the state of mind to commit the act itself while Actus rea is the commission of the action (Williams, 1955).

(1,009 words)