For this assignment, select a case where a woman is both the victim and the offender. It must be a case where the female offender's criminal activity is somehow linked to her victimization (e.g., a domestic violence victim who kills her partner, a child molestation victim who kills her molester). There must have been sufficient media coverage for you to complete the required elements. In the past students have selected cases such as Mary Winkler, Marissa Alexander, Barbara Sheehan, Stacey Lannert, Susan Polk, Aileen Wournos, Casey Anthony, Jody Arias and others.
First, briefly summarize the victimization and how it led to the offense. Facts only; this should only take up about a page of the paper.
What was the sentence imposed (note - the case must have already reached disposition - a pending case or one in which the defendant was not convicted would not be appropriate.) AGAIN - FACTS ONLY. This section should not exceed a paragraph.
Assessment - this is the main focus of the paper, so the bulk of your paper should assess and analyze the sentence. Do you feel the sentence imposed was appropriate? Too harsh? Too lenient? CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING BELOW, DEPENDING ON YOUR OPINION:
If you feel the sentence was too harsh, you need to provide 3 mitigating circumstances (reasons why the court should have considered a lesser punishment).
If you feel the sentence was too lenient, you need to provide 3 aggravating circumstances (reasons why the court should have considered a more severe punishment).
If you feel the sentence imposed was appropriate, provide 3 reasons why you support the decision.