Forensics: Unit 3 Case Study Assignment
2015
The Case of Wayne Williams
Wayne Williams was tried and convicted purely on the basis of circumstantial
trace evidence. After viewing "Shreds of Evidence" take notes on all aspects of
his case, what has happened and is happening at the present time. (You will need
additional information from the Internet)
ASSESSMENT--Then write your paper by taking the side of either the prosecutor, the
defense attorney, Wayne Williams, Williams case fiber expert, or Williams case DNA
expert for the second trial and plead your case. Whichever side you take is your opinion
on how this case should be decided. Your paper should following the outline below.
Attorneys:




My name is: and I'm the (prosecuting/defense attorney) for the second trial of
Atlanta vs. Wayne Williams. (Give a brief overview of the crime(s).
For this case I will present/refute the following evidence. (This may be more than
one paragraph.
In this paragraph, state what you will present as the means, motive and opportunity
OR discuss how Williams did not have either the means, motive and/or opportunity
to commit this crime.
In conclusion, members of the jury, I would like to say:
Experts:




My name is: and I'm the (_________expert) for the second trial of Atlanta vs.
Wayne Williams. (Give a brief overview of your expertise and keep in mind the
Frye and Daubert standards.
For this case I will present/refute the following evidence. (This may be more than
one paragraph.
In this paragraph, state what you will present as the evidence in the case.
In conclusion, outline all the points about your evidence that tie it to Williams
specifically.
Wayne Williams




My name is: I’m being tried for the additional murders in Atlanta vs. Wayne
Williams. (Give a brief overview of the crimes that you are accused of.
For this case I will refute the following evidence. (This may be more than one
paragraph.
In this paragraph, discuss how Williams did not have either the means, motive
and/or opportunity to commit this crime.
In conclusion, members of jury I would like to say:
Forensics: Unit 3 Case Study Assignment
2015
The Case of Colin Ross (1922 Australia)
Colin Ross was tried, convicted, and hanged/executed purely on the basis of
circumstantial trace evidence. Find out about all aspects of his case, what has
happened and is happening at the present time (2000’s). Use the following websites (in
addition to other legitimate sites that you choose) to help you build your case:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/forensic-evidence-is-introduced-in-australia
http://marvmelb.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/the-gun-alley-murder-part-2.html
http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/ross-colin-campbell-eadie-13175
ASSESSMENT--Then write your paper by taking the side of either the prosecutor,
defense attorney, expert witness, or Colin Ross for the second trial and plead your
case. Whichever side you take is your opinion on how this case should be decided.
Your paper should following the outline below.
Attorneys:



My name is: and I'm the (prosecuting/defense attorney) for the second trial of
Melbourne v Ross. (Give a brief overview of the crime(s).
For this case I will present/refute the following evidence. (This will be more than
one paragraph.
In this paragraph, state what you will present as the means, motive and
opportunity OR if you are defense discuss how Ross did not have either the
means, motive and/or opportunity to commit this crime.
In conclusion, members of the jury, I would like to say:
Experts:




My name is: and I'm the (_________expert) for the second trial of Melbourne v
Ross. (Give a brief overview of your expertise and keep in mind the Frye and
Daubert standards.
For this case I will present/refute the following evidence. (This may be more than
one paragraph.
In this paragraph, state what you will present as the evidence in the case.
In conclusion, outline all the points about your evidence that tie it to Ross
specifically.
Forensics: Unit 3 Case Study Assignment
2015
Colin Ross:




My name is: I’m being tried for the additional murders in Melbourne v Ross. (Give
a brief overview of the crimes that you are accused of.
For this case I will refute the following evidence. (This may be more than one
paragraph.
In this paragraph, discuss how you did not have either the means, motive and/or
opportunity to commit this crime.
In conclusion, members of jury I would like to say:
SCORING GUIDE
The Original Case
Presentation of
Prosecution or Defense
Forensic Evidence
Communication and
Writing Skills
CHECK LIST
Extending
Expected
Developing
Developing
4
3
2
1
Effectively and
creatively
communicates the
evidence and facts of
the original trial or
case
Effectively
communicates the
evidence and facts
of the original trial
or case
Has difficulty in
understanding
the evidence
and/or facts of
the original trail
or case
Misrepresents
evidence and
facts of the
original trial or
case
Presents a
convincing case
based on the
evidence and
scientific facts
Presents a case
based on the
evidence and
scientific facts
Presents cases
that is
confusing and
not very
convincing
Presents case
that is not
convincing and
may actually
misrepresent the
facts
Evidence is
accurate, detailed,
and leads to the
means, motive and
opportunity of the
suspect
Evidence is
accurate but not
detailed. May lead
to the suspect
Some evidence
missing or not
detailed.
Means, motive
and/or
opportunity
lacking
Evidence is poor
or missing and
does not lead to
the suspect
Paper is welldeveloped, easily
understood, and free
of mechanical errors
Paper is welldeveloped; may
contain some
mechanical errors
Paper is not
well-developed
or contains
several
mechanical
errors
Paper is poorly
developed and
difficult to
understand; may
include many
mechanical
errors
Forensics: Unit 3 Case Study Assignment
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Title Page
Reference Page (minimum 3)
2015