Discussion Question

Hello all, you have options this week - you can pick either one of the two threads to respond to - your choice!

Option 1: "Affirmative Defenses"

• Compare and contrast the affirmative defenses identified in this week's textbook reading, and explain and what is meant by the sentence, “The defendant is competent to stand trial.”
• Explain the Supreme Court case of [Jackson v. Indiana] and how it is applicable to the states and competency for criminal liability. Do you agree with the case? Why or why not?

Option 2: "Solicitation vs. Conspiracy to Commit a Crime"

• This week, we will be comparing and contrasting the required elements of solicitation of another to commit a crime versus the required elements of conspiracy to commit a crime. Using the Internet or Strayer University Library resources, find a real-world example of one of the two crimes (either solicitation or conspiracy - your choice) from a news article, and please provide the link. Give us a brief synopsis of the facts, and then think like a prosecuting attorney - present what crime you would charge the defendant with and demonstrate how the facts prove each individual element of the crime you have chosen.
  

Note: an exemplary score will include an original post of at least 150 words, with a well-written response to at least one other student.