January Post: Opening Research

After presenting on my answer 1, I would now like to focus my research on trials and how to successfully get the best result for your client. 

So far I have started researching into Opening Statements. Basically what happens is that both sides use this time to tell the jurors strictly something factual about the case. 

The prosecution usually gets to speak first due to the fact that they have the burden of proof in the case, and if it was a civil case then the plantiff would be allowed to speak first. In criminal trials, the burden of proof basically is that the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense does not need to prove innocence so the burden is on the government. 

Also, either side is allowed to opt out of an opening statement but that rarely happens. 

This is just a small intro to Opening Statements, which are the beginnings of a trial, and thus the beginning of my research. 

Blog 13: Lesson 2 Reflection

Content:

1.What are you most proud of in your Lesson 2 Presentation and why?

     I am most proud of my content explanation in my Lesson 2 presentation because it was literally things that I knew and people told me after my presentation that they actually learned which means I did that part successfully. 
2. a.     What assessment would you give yourself on your Lesson 2 Presentation (self-assessment)?

       AE       P          AP       CR       NC

     b.     Explain why you deserve that grade using evidence from the Lesson 2 component contract.

I successfully completed all the requirement to get a P from the lesson 2 contract by making time, talking about in depth research, my activity was engaging, and I believe I presented it all well. 

3. What worked for you in your Lesson 2?
  
What I found to be really enjoyable while presenting is giving real life scenarios and stories that people can relate to that way they can understand the law better. 

4. What didn't work? If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your Lesson 2?

I would go back and work on my activity a little more and make it smoother so I would have more time for my conclusion.

5. What do you think your answer #2 is going to be?

I think my answer two will pertain to trial tactics and ways to successfully win over a jury.

Blog 12: Mentorship 10 Hours

Content:

1.   Where are you doing your mentorship?
          West Covina Public Defender's Office

2.   Who is your contact?
           Joseph Kang

3.   How many total hours have you done (total hours should be reflected in your mentorship log located on the right hand side of your blog like your WB)?
                81

4.   Summarize the 10 hours of service you did.
               I basically shadowed the lawyers or helped in the reception of the office doing things like filing, answering phones, and helping people fill out expungement forms. 

Blog 11: Holiday Project Update

Content:

1.  It is important to consistently work on your senior project, whether it is break or we are in school.  What did you do over the break with your senior project?
       
        I finally got back into contact with my mentorship and they are working on getting another approval for me to go there and help out. 
   

2.  What was the most important thing you learned from what you did, and why?  What was the source of what you learned?

        As far as learning, I truly realized that for me to be able to help that it was not as easy and just going in there and helping. I took my job seriously before, but now it's more important because I know that I am trusted to be able to work with confidential information. The source of how I learned this was because it was so hard to get back into contact with my mentor and I am barely being able to get more experience again.

3.  If you were going to do a 10 question interview on questions related to answers for your EQ, who would you talk to and why?

      I would want to talk to a lawyer, preferably the ones in my mentorship or other public defenders. Simply because my EQ has to do with their job responsibilities and they are the most educated and experienced about what they do. 

December Post: Controversy in Film

One of the most talked about films of this winter break is The Interview, due to the unrest it's controversial nature has caused. With regards to that, certain theaters and Sony have released the movie regardless of the threats. Certain questions have been posed through the rumors such as; was this all just hype? Is hacking the beginnings of a cyber war? Who is hacking? Does the US have a good enough defense system to prepare? 

All of this talk has definitely caused a large increase in people wanting to see exactly what was in this movie. Although it may not have been the creator's purpose to create such controversy, it definitely has worked in the favor. The Interview has brought in tenfolds more income than expected due to the unrest. 

I think that a good thing brought to attention by this situation is that technology can be extremely powerful to those in good hands, but are we prepared for what happens when it lands in the wrong hands? Food for thought. 

November Post: Ferguson Case

This video is a short analysis of the decision and jury information of the controversial Ferguson case. On Monday, the grand jury decided not to indict police officer Darren Wilson, 28, for the fatal shooting of an unarmed Michael Brown, 18. The decision on this case has caused large unrest in many places outside of Ferguson, Missouri as we see protests here in Los Angeles. The questioning factors are definitely the prosecutor's strange and unique handling of the case and also the number of jury members. Some reports say that there will be additional checks on the case, but for the most part, the grand jury's decision is the final decision. I think that there needs to be more attention to the handling of the case, the fact that this is not the only case like this, and what we can do to move from this. In a normal case, grand juries receive information about the case at the discretion of the prosecutor and specific charge is laid out. In this case, the jury was given so much evidence that they needed to have 25 meeting over the course of 3 months when usually it only takes a few days. Also, the prosecutor laid out 5 charges to be considered and the decision to prosecute up to the jury. There definitely needs to be more investigation on the strange way this case was handled. I think that the violence to the innocent people in the communities does not solve the problem, and that there needs to be change so that this does not keep happening.

Blog 10: EQ

Content

1.  I have reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ

2.  a.  What is the most important factor in healthy weight loss? 
No, it doesn't seem like it involves depth of research. It does argue for the most important way. The wording is okay. 

 b.  What is most important to securing a conviction in a criminal investigation?
 YES. It talkes about research and is not a yes/no question, it's arguing for the most important way, and the wording makes sense.

 c.  What is most important in creating a hairstyle that best satisfies a customer? 
YES, it argues for the most important way to satisfy the customer, requires research of hairstyles, and wording is correct. 

 d.  How can an anesthesiologist best treat chronic pain? Yes, it's not a yes/no question, requires research of chronic pain, and it is worded correctly. Also, it could be a little more specific.


3.  Based on your review of the rule of 3 and your experience with assessing four EQs, please write another draft EQ for your senior project.  The senior team will be meeting with students shortly for EQ revision and approval; you are expected to bring your research notebook to that meeting with your EQ draft written inside in pencil.

What is the most efficient way to get a client the best option out of a misdemeanor arraignment?