Delivering Justice Scenario Analysis

In Weeks 2 through 4, you will follow a scenario as a case moves from initial crime through sentencing. This scenario is representative of many real-world cases where multiple jurisdictions are involved. As the case progresses, the relevant laws and various parties (police officers, attorneys, community members, and so on) all affect how the case moves through the criminal justice system. Each week, you will receive additional information that may influence how you interpret the case or choose to proceed.

This week, you review the case from the perspective of the judge and a jury member:

Review the scenario presented in Weeks 2 and 3 and the additional information provided below:

Mr. Stamps was put on trial for robbery of the postal employee at the post office. A jury of 12 individuals was empanelled to hear the case and after 2 hours of deliberations returned a guilty verdict for robbery. 

Use the Sentencing Guidelines Calculator (which is based on federal law) to explore some of the factors that would be considered in sentencing Mr. Stamps in federal district court for a violation of 18 U.S.C. 2114 (robbery).

Write a 2- to 4-page analysis of the scenario in which you address the following:

• As a judge, how would sentencing guidelines play a role when imposing your sentence? 
• What legal requirements govern how judges use sentencing guideline in a criminal case?  
• What are some of the philosophical issues that the jury members might discuss during their deliberations related to sentencing the defendant? 
• If the defendant was convicted of the post office robbery in your state’s trial court, what avenues for appeal would be available to him?  What options would the defendant have for review of the conviction by federal courts?  What options for appeal would be available if the defendant had been tried and convicted in U.S. District Court?

Support your analysis with a minimum of two references. The course textbook may be one resource. Additional references may include scholarly articles, websites, blogs, podcasts, or other relevant sources.

Adhere to APA guidelines.

**The first week's scenario:

Earlier today, an individual rushed into the lobby of the local post office and forced his way past several customers to make his way to the retail counter. The individual then produced a firearm and pointed at the postal clerk and demanded all of the money from the clerk. The clerk complied with the individual’s demands, and the individual fled the scene of the crime on foot with the stolen money. The following people witnessed the crime: the postal clerk and two customers (John and Jill). There was no video surveillance inside of the post office, but several stores surrounding the post office were equipped with surveillance systems.  

Second week's added scenario information:

Federal and state law-enforcement officers were to interview the witnesses at the post office and canvass the immediate area for additional evidence. Police reviewed surveillance from several businesses nearby and identified an individual who matched the description given by the witnesses at the post office. This individual was observed on camera entering a vehicle with license plate 123-ABC. Police officers identified the female, Ms. Conspirator, to whom the vehicle was registered, and interviewed her regarding her involvement in the post office robbery. Ms. Conspirator eventually identified the male subject that carried out the robbery as Mr. Stamps.

Need 9 hours from post.