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The Effects of Freedom of Speech on Criminal Cases

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The Effects of Freedom of Speech on Criminal Cases
“THE EFFECTS OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN CRIMINAL CASES”

Table of Contents
I. Cases
A. The Casey Anthony case
B. The O.J. Simpson case
II. Discussion
A. Reasons why the two cases appeal to the mass
i. The complex issues surrounding the cases ii. Lack of evidence to convict the defendants
B. Media coverage
i. Casey Anthony case ii. O.J. Simpson case
C. End result
i. Civil lawsuits ii. Where are Casey Anthony and O.J. Simpson now?
III. Conclusion
IV. Sources

Section I. Cases
A. State v. Casey Anthony
ISSUE: Whether Casey Anthony (defendant) murdered her 2-year old daughter, Caylee Anthony?
RULE: Fifth Amendment “ No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, .., nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; ... “
ANALYSIS: The prosecution sought the death penalty and alleged the defendant murdered her daughter by administering chloroform, then applying duct tape, because she wanted to free herself from parental responsibilities. The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the murder charge. The defense team, countered that the child had drowned accidentally in the family's swimming pool and that the defendant lied about this and other issues because of a dysfunctional upbringing, which they said included sexual abuse by her father. The prosecution presented four-hundred pieces of evidence, but every piece of evidence was challenged by the defense team. The prosecution called 59 witnesses for 70 different testimonies, whereas, the defense called 47 witnesses for 63 different testimonies. The prosecution failed to show solid evidence to prove that the defendant was guilty of the alleged crime beyond reasonable doubt. CONCLUSION: The defendant was acquitted of first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter, and aggravated child abuse, but was found guilty on four misdemeanor counts of providing false information to a law

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