Answer this Question: What evidence was proper to consider in determining guilt? Was additional evidence necessary to impose the death penalty? Do you think jury and judge sympathy for the victim plays a part in harsher penalties for the offenders in this case? What about sympathy for the offender… could that result in lighter sentences?

In 2007, Joshua Komisarjevsky and Steven Hayes kidnapped, raped and killed Jennifer Hawke-Petite and her two daughters. The defense argued that the offenders were themselves sexually abused and traumatized. Direct and circumstantial evidence clearly proved guilt. Each was sentenced to death.

You must post at a minimum of 350-500 words for your initial response. Begin your response with a high level overview of the case. Respond to the questions above as if the reader has no knowledge of the facts of the case.

Expressing an opinion is not enough. You will be evaluated on the consistency and quality of your posts to the weekly discussion board. I will primarily be looking for how well you support your comments. I expect you to work to make meaning of the material of the course. I look for depth of engagement, as well as level of critical thinking and inquiry. Success hinges on keeping up with readings, and referring to them as much as possible when you do respond.

As a reminder, you are not sending out a text message or tweet, so when writing your post, use proper English, grammar and writing mechanics.

I attached a copy of the case below.