What is criminal capacity? How does criminal capacity impact the defense process? How does the data support the connection between criminal convictions and criminal capacity? Explain.
What is an example of a defense to criminal liability? How do defenses to criminal liability differ from other criminal defenses? Is there a better solution to the way in which criminal liability is defended from a legal standpoint? Explain.
What is the definition of justification? How does justification differ from an excuse? Explain.
Research the Andrea Yates case, in which a mother suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) killed her five children. Do you feel that PPD should be a defense to murder or manslaughter? Do you think Ms. Yates received a fair sentence? Explain.
Research the prosecution of Jared Loughner for the shooting of Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona. How does competency to stand trial play into this case? Do you think Loughner is competent? Explain your answer.