Our society is one of laws. Each year new laws are added to our code. In this extra credit assignment you are to assume the role of a state legislator. After you have spent time reflecting on creating a better society, submit a written proposal for a law that you feel needs to be passed. YOUR CRIME MUST BE A NEW ORIGINAL CRIME.
Divide your paper into the following four sections.
Section 1: “The Need for the Law”
What is the need for the new law? This should be at least a full paragraph or more.
Section 2: “The Law”
(A.) In this section you should set forth the title of the law and write the actual wording of the law. In order to receive the full credit for this section you should recognize that crimes are composed of elements (parts). These elements develop the actus reus (the act prohibited). Crimes also include the mens rea, (the required mental state to commit the offense). In the body of your law you must provide, as an element of the crime, a required mental state (mens rea). Underline the actus reus in your statute. Italicize and bold the mens rea.
(B.) Set forth the punishment for the crime. The following highlighted Tennessee statute serves as an example of how this section should appear.
39-13-401. Robbery.
(A.) Robbery is the intentional or knowing theft of property from the person of another by violence or putting the person in fear.
(B.) Robbery is punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison.
Section 3: “Thought Processes and Justification”
In this section you should discuss the thought processes and justification you used to decide on the elements of the offense, especially the actus reus and the mens rea.This section should be about two paragraphs or more.
Section 4: “Answering Questions about the New Law”
Simply answer the following questions.
(A.) Is your new crime a felony or a misdemeanor?
(B.) Is your new crime a mala in se or mala prohibita crime?
(C.) Does your new crime prohibit an act or an omission to act?
Before you submit please make sure that the paper has you name at the top of the paper.
Note: Chapters one through four in your textbook provide the basis for responding to this assignment. This is an extra credit task in which you may earn up to 10 points. Part of the evaluation is based on how well you study and learn independently.