There are two types of affirmative defenses: “justification” and “excuse.” Choose one “justification” defense (self-defense, duress, etc.) and one “excuse” defense (infancy, mistake of fact, intoxication, etc.) to discuss. What are they? How do they differ? How can they be used at trial? Does either defense relieve a defendant of culpability? Should they?
Part II
The defense of “duress” cannot be used in cases of murder. In your opinion, is this exception reasonable? Why or why not? Can you provide a situation where “duress” should be an affirmative defense for murder?
DB2. 350 words.
Supported by at least 2 peer reviewed, scholarly sources. Sources used for studies or statistical information should be less than 10 years old. Direct quoting should be limited. Interpretation in your own words is expected.
1) Visit the FBI website at www.fbi.gov and search for the crime laboratory. What services are provided to law enforcement by the lab?
2) Pick one of the FBI services provided and create a request for analysis of specific evidence collected at a fictional crime scene. What testing would you request the FBI lab to do for your case?
3) Review the 2-part body farm video on the same FBI lab website and discuss what you found to be interesting.
FBI FBI Trains at Body Farm, Part 1
https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2009/july/fbi-trains-at-body-farm-part-1
FBI FBI Trains at Body Farm, Part 2
https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2009/july/fbi-trains-at-body-farm-part-2
