Discussion Board Post Post

Discussion Board Post Post

Rubric: Lesson 5, Assignment 1

Part 1: (10 pts)

Review the discussion question (provided below) on Rule 404b and post your answer on the discussion board. Then read and comment on posts left by at least two other students (keep it civil). Your comments are meant to be critiques; I will not accept “I agree with what she said.” Give the post some consideration and write a thoughtful answer (a paragraph at least).

• Clearly and concisely answer the question and justify your answer (5pts). • 250 word Maximum.

• Post your answer on the discussion board (you will have to create a new thread—PLEASE use your name as the thread title) by

Wednesday, September 21th, midnight, CST.

 

Last week, Arkansas began prosecuting Ivan Byrning for his role in a series of fifteen Arsons that have occurred over the last 12 months. The evidence against Byrning is circumstantial, and not particularly strong, except that witnesses can place Byrning at 12 of the 15 fires. Still, the state has no direct evidence that Ivan set the fires. Ivan has taken the stand and testified that he didn’t set the fires, and that in his job with a lawn mowing service, he is often outdoors and just happened to be in the area where the houses burned—it’s mere coincidence. The prosecutor wants to introduce some evidence. Decide whether can come in under 404b. Justify your answer. There may be more than one part of Rule 404b that applies.

• Evidence that Ivan was arrested two years ago for battery, after he fought with a college student in a local bar. Ivan was convicted.

• Evidence that Ivan was convicted for petty larceny four years ago, when he stole food and clothing from a Walmart Supercenter.

• Evidence that Ivan was the key suspect in three arsons that occurred in 2002, 2008, and 2010.