Criminal Justice Course

Assignment 1: LASA 2: Understanding the Roles of the Police, Courts and Corrections in the Case of State v. Patino
This case study summary is based upon an actual murder case. Be sure to consider the following aspects of the case:

The initial viewing of the cell phone text message and search of the apartment
The probable cause used to obtain search warrants
The confession of the suspect
The ruling of the lower court regarding evidence
The ruling of the State Supreme Court regarding evidence
The role of the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the case
The reasoning of the jury in their decision
The ethical issues related to the gathering of evidence and the confession
The role of the Department of Corrections in determining the length of sentences

Tasks:

Read the scenario carefully.
In a 4- to 6-page Microsoft Word document (plus a title and references page), address the topics below:

Identify a criminological theory associated with the behavior of the defendant in this case and explain the primary cause of this crime.
Identify and explain the legal reasoning of the lower court in approving the defense counsel’s motion to suppress the cell phone evidence and confession of the defendant.
Identify and explain the ruling of the Rhode Island Supreme Court in approving the appeal of the prosecuting attorney to allow the cell phone evidence and confession of defendant at trial.
Summarize the law enforcement code of ethics and explain whether the conduct of the officer related to searches and seizures was ethical in this case.
Describe the primary difference between the elements of first and second-degree murder and explain why the jury acquitted the defendant of first-degree murder, but convicted him of second-degree murder.

Include a title page with your name, date, and assignment title.
Provide at least three APA style references (one may be your textbook) Make sure all your in-text citations relate to a reference in your References page.  
You may use the Internet to research articles related to this case. Do not cite Wikipedia as a reference. Read the grading rubric before starting your paper to ensure you cover all the material appropriately.
Proofread for correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and usage.

Submission Details:

The paper should be in Times New Roman, 12 fount, double-spaced, with normal margins
Save your 4- to 6-page Microsoft Word document as LastnameFirstInitial_M5_A1.
Be sure to follow APA rules for attributing sources. Use this APA Citation Helper as a convenient reference for properly citing resources.
By the due date assigned, submit your document to the Submission Area.