Crimianl Law Closing Argument

Closing Argument for Case #9 (Prosecutor)

Sasha Jones

Criminal Law 241 (Main Campus)

Professor Daniel

Due Date: April 3, 2012

May it please the court, Professor Daniel, counsel, ladies and gentlemen, and my fellow classmates of the jury, good afternoon. Before I begin my initial closing argument, I would like to take an opportunity to thank you on behalf of myself and my staff and those attorneys who assisted in this trial proceeding. You have been extremely attentive throughout this long tedious process. I am very appreciative of the fact and the fact you have done so. At the time we are done arguing, the case will be turn over to you so you can complete your service. I am very confident and respectful of the dignity you have conducted yourselves here in.

The events that were set in motion three years ago are finally to a close. In the mid - 1990s a young female moved to America with her family. Years pass and now she is 17 and the father, John Smith wants her to adhere to the Iraqi traditions and enter an arranged marriage in Iraq. The 17 year old refuses, which angers her father, John Smith. In late 2009 the now 19 year old moved into her own apartment and began working at a fast food restaurant. She quits after her parents consistently showed up at her job, demanding she come home. Late 2009, the 19 year old female moves in with her boyfriend and his parents after saying her parents had hit her. A document states that her father, John Smith harassed his daughter and her boyfriend parents. John Smith stated, if his daughter does not move out of their home "something bad was going to happen". John Smith said his daughter dishonored his family. He believe an honored killing was necessary. The 19 year old female was brutally murder by her father as he intentionally ran her over with his car, after she repeatedly refused to enter an arranged marriage in Iraq by her father to adhere to the Iraqi traditions.

America was shock. Yes we know the person who committed this brutal crime. Yes we know why the suspect committed this terrible offense. However, in favor of the now deceased 19 year old, in America this is a crime. In fact it is 1st degree murder. Today, in this courtroom with the help of the Jury, my fellow classmates, Justice will be served by convicting the defendant for 1st murder of his daughter.

Based on the evidence, based on what you've heard, the answer is clear. We know who did it, John Smith. John Smith knew exactly what he was doing and he intentionally killed his 19 year daughter because she refused to enter an arranged marriage against her will. John Smith is responsible for this violent tragedy and should be convicted and sentence for this horrible murder he committed.

John