Reference no: EM13874932

1) Ann Martin's husband Saul, frequently beat her, pulled out chunks of her hair, and threatened her with various weapons. One evening, Saul had an argument with Gustav at a bar. Saul left with Ann, returned a short time later with two guns, and waited in the parking lot for Gustav to leave the bar. After another argument between the two, Saul fired two shots, killing Gustav. Ann and Saul were arrested and charged with murder, conspiracy, and weapons offenses. While out on bail, Saul convinced Ann to testify that she caused Gustav's death when she threw one of the weapons in the backseat of their car where it accidentally discharged. Saul ordered her to repeat the story over and over, beating her when she did not perform satisfactorily. Despite objections by her attorney, Ann testified as directed by Saul. No one was aware that Saul had forced Ann to give false statements. After Ann's conviction and several months of imprisonment, she finally told others about the abuse and false testimony. What defense(s) could Ann argue in her request for a new trial? (Do not discuss the elements of murder, conspiracy, etc.)

2) Riley and his friend, Walt, had been drinking beer on the banks of the local creek. They were short on money and talked about breaking into one of the businesses on Main Street. A short time later while Walt acted as a lookout, Riley, wedged a largely pry bar between the door and jamb of a real estate office, trying to force open the door in the early morning hours. A police officer testified that he surprised Riley in the act of prying open the door. Riley testified that he intended to break into the office and had actually begun to do so but that "I had only hit the door with [the pry bar] twice...and...I just got scared and I changed my mind about breaking into place." Were Riley and / or Walt guilty of any uncompleted crimes related to trying to enter the real estate office? (Do not discuss the elements of breaking and entering)

3) Dilworth and several others were playing cards. Dilworth thought that Carleton, on of the players, was cheating. Dilworth stood up and accused Carleton of cheating and then reached across the table and hit Carleton in the jaw. Dilworth and Carleton exchanged blows fo a time when Carleton took a long bottle from the table and knocked off the end of it so as to make jagged and sharp edges. When Dilworth saw what Carleton had done he threw up his hands and shouted "Okay, you win. I want none of that." Dilworth backed away from Carleton until his back was against a wall. Carleton still approached Dilworth with the broken bottle. Dilworth notices an ax leaning against the wall. He grabbed it and struck Carleton once. Carleton died. Dilworth was charged with murder. Does Dilworth have any successful defense he can argue? (Do not discuss the elements of murder.)

4) Trace, his wife, and one child were in the front seat of their car driving from South Bend to LaPorte, Indiana. Ropes and other of the Trace children sat in the back seat. Trace, after receiving his wife's permission, picked up Deppert, a hitchhiker. Later, Ropes pulled a knife on Deppert and took his wallet. Just before Deppert got out of the car, Ropes took Deppert's watch. Trace said nothing during the entire episode. Was he an accomplice accessory to robbery? Discuss fully why or why not. (Do not discuss the elements of robbery.)