Research a crime where the defendant’s capacity to commit the crime is an issue (insanity or committed by a minor) that has been reported in the media, (online, tv or print) and analyze the elements of the mental illness or age to the conduct charged.  This essay can be 1-2 pages and should include a citation to the source you used.

Each essay should have a heading which includes your name, date and title. You should use proper titles if using last names–Mr. ; Ms.; Officer, etc.  Only referring to someone by their last name is not appropriate.  Make sure you proofread your essay for spelling and grammatical errors.

Try using the following format when writing essays to help you organize your thoughts.

Summary of the crime as reported, including relevant facts.

Explain and define the different concepts of the essay topic – for example, for the first assignment explain the elements of crime—mens rea, actus reus, concurrence and proximate cause.

Explain how the conduct satisfied the different elements of the crime or topic of the essay.