Law Commons^™

Presumed Guilty, Terrence Cain

Faculty Scholarship

It would probably surprise the average American to learn that prosecutors need only prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt sometimes. Although the Due Process Clauses of the Constitution require that the government prove each element of an alleged criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt, the use of statutory presumptions has relieved the government of this responsibility, and in some cases, has even shifted the burden to the defendant to disprove the presumption. Likewise, the Sixth Amendment grants a criminal defendant the right to have the jury and the jury alone determine whether the government has met its burden and ultimately …

Prosecutorial Decriminalization, Erik Luna

Erik Luna

The article discusses the legal concept of prosecutorial decriminalization in the U.S. as of July 2012, focusing on an analysis of the use of criminal laws to enforce the public standards of morality in America. Penal codes and criminal sanctions are addressed, along with several reform measures aimed at restructuring a criminal law system in the U.S. which has reportedly been overburdened by overcriminalization. The use of the American judiciary system as a check on overcriminalization is mentioned.

Shoot To Kill: A Critical Look At Stand Your Ground Laws, Tamara Rice Lave

University of Miami Law Review

No abstract provided.

Re-Thinking Minnesota's Criminal Justice Response To Sexual Violence Using A Prevention Lens, Caroline Palmer, Bradley Prowant

Symposium: 50th Anniversary of the Minnesota Criminal Code-Looking Back and Looking Forward

Sexual violence is one of the most difficult issues we face in the human condition. Even with the many strides that have occurred in recent years to support a victim-centered response, survivors who seek help from the legal, medical and mental health systems, among others still “may face disbelief, blame, and refusals of help instead of assistance.” It is a problem that demands a response from all levels of society. And yet this response is lacking.

The key question we as a society confront is what changes will satisfactorily balance justice for victims with offender accountability, attempts at rehabilitation through …

Escape From The Twilight Zone: Minnesota’S Definitions Of “Substantial Bodily Harm” And “Great Bodily Harm” Leave Too Much Room For Injustice, And They Can Be Improved, Joshua Larson

Symposium: 50th Anniversary of the Minnesota Criminal Code-Looking Back and Looking Forward

The article first will discuss the current assault-statute regime in Minnesota and its origin and development. Then, the article will identify appellate decisions that have examined the concepts of bodily harm, substantial bodily harm, and great bodily harm. Following this, the article will describe the Wisconsin assault-statute regime. Lastly, the article will propose how Minnesota should improve.