Lamb to the Slaughter Sample Essay
Firstly, be sure to visit the link below to see some important information about crafting a convincing opening statement!
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Opening-Statement
You can also follow this link to peruse a pair of opening statements with explanatory legal commentary by following this link:
http://criminaldefense.homestead.com/Dror.html
Here is a simple outline to assist you in crafting your opening statement.
Intro: welcome/establish rapport with jury
tell them who you are (prosecution , defense)
what is your goal? (what are you trying to do by addressing the jury?)
define the charge you are arguing (not guilty by reason of insanity, 2nd degree murder, etc.)
Body: present your evidence
explain what the evidence proves
{in other words, retell the parts of the story that prove your case and demonstrate how they prove it}
Conclusion: sum up your case
restate your point
add closing remarks to jury / clincher ("Thank you so much for listening," etc.)
Then, read the sample statement below to see how this information applies to the assignment we will be working on regarding "Lamb to the Slaugher."
________________________________________________________________________________________________
G. M.
Mr. McLean
November 12, 2014
Period 7
In Prosecution of Mary Maloney
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the jury. On behalf of those involved with this case, we would all like to thank you for your duty and your commitment to keeping this state safe. The case being discussed over the next few weeks involves the death of a police officer, Patrick Maloney, and the murderer, his wife, Mary Maloney. The prosecution believes that Ms. Maloney has killed her husband and should be charged with manslaughter. By examining the evidence, including the murder weapon, motive and the emotion she showed during her interrogation, we are able to determine that Mary Malone is guilty of this crime.
Patrick Maloney, a trustworthy and hard working police officer, was always doing good for his community. He protected the town and made the citizens feel safe. The night he was killed, he had just come home from a long day at work and was greeted by his wife, our suspect, Ms. Maloney. It is true that, recently, they had been having troubles and were fighting, but that is to be expected from any normal relationship. They were usually able to overcome their differences but once Patrick announced he was leaving Mary, she acted in a violent manner which resulted in his death. Mary’s response was to hit Patrick at the base of his skull with a frozen, 6 pound, and 20 inch leg of lamb. She was hurt, upset, and scared about losing Patrick, her true love and the father of her child. Although Ms. Maloney deliberately hit him we do not believe she had intent to kill. Her anger, jealousy, and fear all combined to make her commit this one, desparate, final act. But while this act was the product of hot emotion, her next action, to lie to the police and falsify a crime scene, was a product of cool, calm rationalization. The prosecution asks that the state charges Mary Maloney with manslaughter for killing her husband, Patrick Maloney, and to make sure Ms. Maloney receives necessary punishment.
We believe that Mary Maloney is guilty of this crime based on the evidence. The coroner made the observation that Patrick Maloney died from a blunt force trauma to the base of his skull; this description fits the suspected weapon. She did not intend to kill him and did not plan it out previously so we ask the state to bring justice by charging Mary Maloney with manslaughter. Thank you very much for you service and time, have a good afternoon.
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Opening-Statement
You can also follow this link to peruse a pair of opening statements with explanatory legal commentary by following this link:
http://criminaldefense.homestead.com/Dror.html
Here is a simple outline to assist you in crafting your opening statement.
Intro: welcome/establish rapport with jury
tell them who you are (prosecution , defense)
what is your goal? (what are you trying to do by addressing the jury?)
define the charge you are arguing (not guilty by reason of insanity, 2nd degree murder, etc.)
Body: present your evidence
explain what the evidence proves
{in other words, retell the parts of the story that prove your case and demonstrate how they prove it}
Conclusion: sum up your case
restate your point
add closing remarks to jury / clincher ("Thank you so much for listening," etc.)
Then, read the sample statement below to see how this information applies to the assignment we will be working on regarding "Lamb to the Slaugher."
________________________________________________________________________________________________
G. M.
Mr. McLean
November 12, 2014
Period 7
In Prosecution of Mary Maloney
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the jury. On behalf of those involved with this case, we would all like to thank you for your duty and your commitment to keeping this state safe. The case being discussed over the next few weeks involves the death of a police officer, Patrick Maloney, and the murderer, his wife, Mary Maloney. The prosecution believes that Ms. Maloney has killed her husband and should be charged with manslaughter. By examining the evidence, including the murder weapon, motive and the emotion she showed during her interrogation, we are able to determine that Mary Malone is guilty of this crime.
Patrick Maloney, a trustworthy and hard working police officer, was always doing good for his community. He protected the town and made the citizens feel safe. The night he was killed, he had just come home from a long day at work and was greeted by his wife, our suspect, Ms. Maloney. It is true that, recently, they had been having troubles and were fighting, but that is to be expected from any normal relationship. They were usually able to overcome their differences but once Patrick announced he was leaving Mary, she acted in a violent manner which resulted in his death. Mary’s response was to hit Patrick at the base of his skull with a frozen, 6 pound, and 20 inch leg of lamb. She was hurt, upset, and scared about losing Patrick, her true love and the father of her child. Although Ms. Maloney deliberately hit him we do not believe she had intent to kill. Her anger, jealousy, and fear all combined to make her commit this one, desparate, final act. But while this act was the product of hot emotion, her next action, to lie to the police and falsify a crime scene, was a product of cool, calm rationalization. The prosecution asks that the state charges Mary Maloney with manslaughter for killing her husband, Patrick Maloney, and to make sure Ms. Maloney receives necessary punishment.
We believe that Mary Maloney is guilty of this crime based on the evidence. The coroner made the observation that Patrick Maloney died from a blunt force trauma to the base of his skull; this description fits the suspected weapon. She did not intend to kill him and did not plan it out previously so we ask the state to bring justice by charging Mary Maloney with manslaughter. Thank you very much for you service and time, have a good afternoon.
