Mitigation of Penalty Evaluation

Description

Read the two case studies (linked in Resources) that address mitigating circumstances in murder cases. Select one of the cases and design a methodology for conducting this type of evaluation, including psychological testing. Note: Refer to pages 634–647 in the Melton text (also linked in Resources) for an example of a mitigation of penalty evaluation. Case Study 1- Susan Miller is a 23-year-old female. She was recently released from the military where she experienced several traumas. Six months after she was home, she killed her daughter, who was 3 years old. She said the child would not stop crying. Ms. Miller’s attorney, Mr. Grossman, contends that the noise from the child crying caused flashbacks to the noise of the bombs in Afghanistan. He contends that his client is innocent due to mitigating circumstances. Ms. Mil Case Study 2-Robert Allen is a 16-year-old male. He confessed to the murder of his stepfather, who he reports was abusive to him, his mother, and his sister for many years. On the day of the murder, Robert claims that his father had violently and grossly abused his mother. Robert’s attorney claims that Mr. Allen informed his son that as soon as he turned 17, he would have to leave the house. Thus, Robert killed his stepfather. Study 2