Problem: Watch "Law and Order" or another police show on television, but be sure that the show you choose includes both the investigation and the trial. (For example, "Criminal Minds" would not work because it ends after the investigation.) Episodes of Law & Order are viewable on nbc.
As you are watching, keep a list of all pieces of evidence that you see being collected or hear about during the show. Choose 3-5 pieces of direct evidence, and 3-5 pieces of circumstantial evidence. (If you have fewer than these numbers, you will need to choose a different show to watch.) Then do the following:
In paragraphs, summarize the facts of the case.
Categorize each if your items of evidence as direct or circumstantial evidence and explain why you chose the particular category for each.
For your items of evidence, indicate which of these categories each falls under:
- Circumstantial evidence of ability to commit a crime
- Circumstantial evidence of intent
- Circumstantial evidence of guilt
- Character of the defendant
- Lack of accident
- Habit or Custom
Provide a conclusion where you explain the outcome of the case, and state whether you feel the evidence supported this outcome.