CRMJ 410 All Assignments CRMJ 410 All Assignments | Page 7

Questions For Thought and Discussion 11. What is the rationale for courts to require that to obtain a conviction for possession of burglary tools the state must prove the accused knowingly had possession of burglar’s tools, knew the tools could be used for a criminal purpose, and intended to use them for such purpose? 12. Assume you are working as a staff assistant to a legislator who desires to introduce a bill to assist merchants who are experiencing losses from “bad checks.” What types of provisions and penalties would you recommend? Chapter 8 Offenses Against Public Morality Questions For Thought and Discussion 3. Do you think proponents of same-sex marriage can use the Supreme Court’s decision in Lawrence v. Texas as a basis for constitutional assaults on state laws that prohibit such unions? 6. How are laws proscribing obscenity susceptible to the over breadth and vagueness challenges discussed in Chapter 3? 8. Do you think Congress can devise a law that will pass constitutional muster to protect children from Internet pornography? What suggestions do you have in this area? Problems For Discussion and Solution 1. Tanya Thong has been convicted of indecent exposure stemming from an incident in which she appeared topless on a public beach. On appeal, Thong argues that the indecent exposure statute amounts to unconstitutional sex discrimination because it prohibits women, but not men, from baring their breasts in public. Does Thong have a valid argument?