DNA evidence has only been used in court cases since the late 1980's. The first man convicted and sentenced to die solely on the basis of DNA evidence was Timothy Spencer. His story is dramatically told by Paul Mones in his book, Stalking Justice.

Since then, other people have been convicted or vindicated on the basis of DNA. Research one such case independently or with a partner. . Use the library and the internet. Then design a presentation around this case using PowerPoint. You will need a minimum of 8 slides if working alone or 12 if working as a team. These slides will include a title page at the beginning and a reference page at the end (minimum of 5). Divide up the work and make the presentation flow. (Please DO NOT read the slides to us!)

Make copies of your most useful references and highlight the parts you consider most important to the understanding of this case. These highlighted pages will be turned in after your presentation. Make a powerpoint handout for the teacher. Give to the teacher prior to your presentation.

Your slides should include, not necessarily in this order:

1. Title: Person researched, Your name(s), Date of presentation and Class Hour
2. Brief summary of the case researched.
   • The Story
   • The Evidence
   • Background of the Suspect--including how he got involved in this case (opportunity)
   • Background of the Victim
   • Any other possible suspects
   • Basics of DNA--what you feel a juror would have to know
   • End result of this court case and why.
3. A discussion of the role that DNA profiling (typing) played in this case. What would the juror have to know about DNA to be convinced that it is able to discriminate one person from another? What analogies/example would assist the jurors?
4. Conclusions--Those YOU can draw about:
   • the case
   • the type of person associated with this type of conviction/exoneration
   • eyewitness report
   • WHO DID IT?
   • pros and cons of using DNA in court
5. Graphics whenever possible.
6. Reference page--properly written. Include at least one book, one newspaper/magazine article and 3 reputable internet sources.

Understanding of DNA's structure, uniqueness. DNA's use is explained and connected to evidence, using analogies that support DNA's ability to individualize.

Completeness of case summary where DNA has been used as prime evidence Shows logical, sequential summary. Provides the links between the evidence, the victim and the suspect(s).

Oral Presentation: Follows the guidelines of good speech; "sounds like it was practiced" comfortable, relaxed; holds audience's attention

Documentation--at least 5; Written according to guidlelines at www.citationmachine.net

CHECK LIST

• Title Page
• Completeness
• Organized Properly (newspaper form)
• Proper Mechanics
• Reference List properly written
• Highlighted References Included

WEBSITES--to get a start

• Innocence Project
• Convicted by Juries, Exonerated by Science
• Forejustice--click on innocence database to see if you choice is there
• Cleared by DNA
• Successful Cases

Once you have selected a case, research on your own (no websites given) to see if you can get enough information for your project. You must have 3 articles or references before you can sign up for that case.