Response paper to the Wrongful Conviction Podcast with Jason Flom Podcast
Assignment: Response paper to the Wrongful Conviction Podcast with Jason Flom Podcast
Due Date: Sunday, October 18th, 11:59PM
Points: 50 – See the assignment rubric for grading details
Listen to one (1) episode of the podcast Wrongful Conviction.
Direct link: https://player.fm/series/wrongful-conviction-podcasts
Read this: For this assignment, you will (1) select a wrongful conviction case from the Wrongful Conviction Podcast (available on various platforms) and (2) research or provide details about the events leading to this person’s “wrongful conviction.” This assignment might require you to conduct online research beyond the scope of the podcast.
Read this too: I suggest writing this paper in an essay form, as if you are sharing the most significant details of the case. Note, some of the details may not be available. If that is the case, that is okay!
And this: Your paper should summarize and include the following components (but of course, it may also include anything extra that you discover as well):
The biographical details of the convicted. For example –
Who is/was this person?
How old were they at the time of the crime?
Who were their friends at the time?
What is/was their family situation?
Is there some reason they were the prime/only suspect in this case?
Any other interesting details you can find out.
Details about the crime this person allegedly committed. For example –
Who was involved?
What happened?
When did it happen?
How were the convicted and the victim related?
When did this occur?
When did the convicted person become a suspect?
Why do you think the convicted became a suspect?
What factors led to this person being a suspect of the crime?
Include any other details of interest.
Details about the trial and sentence of this person. For example –
When did the trial take place?
Where did it occur?
Was there any reason for the choice of location of the trial?
Was it a trial by jury or judge? If so, what was the final conviction?
What evidence was used in the trial?
Was the judge required to follow sentencing guidelines or was the judge able to rely on their discretion?
What was the sentence length?
How much time did this person serve in prison?
How/when did a retrial/exoneration occur? For example –
What was the process that occurred before a retrial/exoneration happened?
When was this retrial?
What evidence was used in it?
Was it a trial by jury?
What compensation was awarded?
Was the person sentenced to death?
Has the wrongfully convicted person stated how their time in prison affected their life? Did their family stay by their side throughout this ordeal? Do you know what they are doing with their lives now?
What is your personal opinion of this case? What do you think should be done about wrongful convictions? What do you think should happen to ensure that people are not wrongfully convicted?
Be sure to list your references and the resources used to support your work.
